Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender beef, flavorful spices, and creamy pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Simply set your slow cooker, and let the aromas fill your kitchen as the beef becomes incredibly tender and infused with garlic and herbs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-size chunks
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces rotini or pasta of choice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6–8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High
Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Enjoy your comforting Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides to enhance flavor.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the beef (seared or raw) into the slow cooker. Add beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before the slow cooker is done, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Add heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens, approximately 10–15 minutes on High.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Beef Selection
Choose high-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness.
Pasta Choice
You can substitute rotini with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
Cook Techniques
Searing the Beef
Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps to enhance the flavor and creates a more complex taste profile. This step is optional, but it is highly recommended for achieving a richer taste.
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the beef to become tender and flavors to meld beautifully. Cooking on Low or High ensures the beef stews perfectly, providing a hearty meal.
Cooking the Pasta
Cooking the pasta separately and then adding it to the sauce prevents it from becoming mushy. It also allows the pasta to retain its texture, adding a satisfying bite to the dish.
Thickening the Sauce
Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the slow cooker helps achieve a creamy and thickened sauce. This technique ensures the sauce coats the pasta nicely, enhancing the overall dish.
Combining Flavors
Allowing the combined pasta and sauce to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more harmonious dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with other cuts of beef or even use chicken or pork, but cooking times may vary.
What if I want a gluten-free option?
You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta options and make sure the broth used is gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Just adjust cooking time accordingly if frozen.
How can I make it spicier?
To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños when mixing the ingredients in the slow cooker.
What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella or Parmesan?
You can swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different taste; for Parmesan, consider pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and pasta creates a satisfying meal that will surely please everyone at the table. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy flavorful homemade cooking that is both delicious and convenient.
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