If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal, look no further than Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, with tender pasta nestled in a rich, tomatoey beef sauce and finished with a swirl of cream and gooey cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and draws everyone to the table with eager, hungry smiles. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a fuss-free dinner that feels special, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is that every ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create layers of flavor and the perfect creamy finish. Each item is simple, yet essential, working behind the scenes to build the savory, crave-worthy taste and texture.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base of the dish, giving every bite that meaty richness we love.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with a deliciously warm, savory flavor—don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic herby profile, tying everything together.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick and depth—freshly cracked is extra nice.
Marinara or pasta sauce (1 24-ounce jar): The saucy backbone, so use your favorite brand for best results.
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Adds a savory boost and helps the pasta cook up perfectly tender.
Uncooked pasta (8 ounces, penne or rotini): Short shapes work best as they hold their texture and soak up the sauce.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The magic ingredient for that luscious, creamy finish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, giving it irresistible stretch and richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a salty, nutty punch right at the end—don’t leave it out!
Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness to every serving.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. You want the beef to be browned and the onions soft—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’re done, drain off any excess grease so your finished Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta isn’t oily. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant and delicious.

Step 2: Build the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the marinara or pasta sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling right away. This is the foundation of your dish, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor

Cover the slow cooker and let all those flavors meld together. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours—either way, your kitchen will smell incredible and the sauce will turn rich and savory.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the noodles are well submerged in the sauce so they cook evenly. Cover and cook on high for 25 to 30 minutes, just until the pasta is al dente and has soaked up all that delicious flavor.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Now comes the best part! Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Everything will melt together to make the sauce silky, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Let the pasta sit for 5 to 10 minutes with the lid on but the heat off, so it thickens up just a bit.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Now your Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is ready to impress—just scoop, serve, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a subtle herby lift, but you can also try a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For a special occasion, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few shavings of aged cheese can take your Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta to the next level.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or a simple baguette is always a hit for scooping up extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, round out the meal with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style feel. If you’re feeding a crowd, present it family-style in a big serving dish at the center of the table. You could even stuff leftovers into bell peppers or bake them under a layer of extra cheese for a second-night reinvention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s smooth consistency. Stir occasionally as it warms so everything heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini work best because they hold up well during slow cooking, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, as they may become too soft.

Can I make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually tastes even better the next day! Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. You can also prep the beef and sauce ahead, then add the pasta and dairy just before serving for the freshest result.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap in reduced-fat mozzarella. Lean ground beef or ground turkey can also be used for a leaner protein base.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Just stir them in with the beef and sauce at the beginning, and they’ll cook down perfectly alongside everything else.

What if my pasta isn’t cooked after 30 minutes?

No worries! Just give it an extra 5 to 10 minutes and check again. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to enjoy a big, bubbling pot of Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta. It’s the kind of meal that guarantees smiles and second helpings, and I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Give it a try and let it bring a little extra comfort and joy to your next dinner!

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy slow cooker beef pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef is simmered with marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and spices, then combined with pasta and rich cheeses for a deliciously creamy, satisfying meal that can be set and forgotten until dinner time.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1/2 cup beef broth

Pasta

8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)

Dairy

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease to reduce fat content.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Add the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to tenderize.
Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 25–30 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Serve and garnish: Spoon onto plates or bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

For extra richness, add a dollop of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Choose short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni that hold up well in slow cooker dishes.
Drain excess grease from the beef to reduce fat and calories.
Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms at the beginning for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American