Description
This creamy slow cooker beef pasta combines tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and pasta all cooked together in one pot for an easy and comforting meal. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and cheeses, creating a luscious, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours to develop deep flavors and tenderize the beef.
- Add Pasta and Continue Cooking: After the initial cooking period, add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir to incorporate it into the sauce. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 30–45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the creamy beef pasta and season further with salt and pepper if needed, to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce well.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the pasta early to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the slow cooking step is a great way to increase nutrition.
