Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is the perfect comfort food that combines tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and a velvety cream sauce—all slow-cooked to perfection. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is ideal for busy weeknights and delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete dinner the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicdiced tomatotomato pastebeef brothItalian seasoningsaltpepperpasta (penne or rotini work best)heavy creamcream cheeseshredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

directions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

Add diced tomato, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir.

Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)Pasta and finishing: 30 minutesTotal time: approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Swap cheddar for Parmesan or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, but note that the pasta may soften further upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to add uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker so it absorbs the flavor and doesn’t become mushy.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes, you can use extra heavy cream or a splash of milk, but the sauce will be less thick and tangy.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the volume.

Is this spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of beef.

Why is my pasta mushy?

Be sure not to overcook the pasta—check it after 20 minutes once added to the slow cooker.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the beef adds flavor and removes excess grease, improving the final dish.

What can I serve with this?

Garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.

Conclusion

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd or storing as leftovers, this dish blends tender beef and creamy tomato sauce in one irresistible pasta dinner. Just set your slow cooker, stir in the final touches, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal.

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