Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

Easy Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort knows no bounds when you stumble upon this mouthwatering creamy garlic beef pasta that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Rich, velvety sauce clings to perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender beef mingles with aromatic garlic, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful promises a delicious escape from mundane meals.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Beef Pasta Dinner Savory Notes

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Throw ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, creating a stress-free dinner solution that practically makes itself with minimal hands-on preparation.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Hearty beef and pasta combine for a rich, satisfying meal that delivers classic flavors everyone in the family will love, making it perfect for picky eaters and comfort food enthusiasts.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: One-pot meal means less cleanup and more quality time, transforming dinner from a chore into a delightful shared experience that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Flexible Flavor Powerhouse: Easily customize with extra herbs, swap protein types, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe modifications.

Beef Pasta Dinner Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty and tender meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious when slow-cooked.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients add depth and savory notes to the beef dish.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Mushroom Soup, Broth, Cream: A creamy and rich base that helps tenderize the meat and create a luxurious sauce.
  • Basil, Oregano: Herbs that provide a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A salty and tangy cheese that adds richness and depth to the final meal.
Pasta Component:
  • Pasta: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious sauce and completing the hearty dinner.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green finish to the dish.

Steps for Easy Beef Pasta Dinner

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Aromatics

Grab your slow cooker and gently place the beef inside.

Dice the onions into small, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

Spread these ingredients evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for your meal.

Step 2: Create Savory Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for your sauce:
  • Mushroom soup
  • Beef broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Dried oregano

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 3: Begin Slow Cooking

Pour the prepared sauce directly over the beef, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker.

Cover and set the temperature to low, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together.

Let it cook for 6-8 hours, which will transform the beef into a mouthwatering, tender delight.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Add the pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water.

Step 5: Combine and Enhance

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the slow cooker.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring to distribute the cheese and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Allow the dish to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to fully integrate.

If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef pasta dinner.

Tips for Flavorful Beef Pasta Dinner

  • Choose chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in the slow cooker.
  • Adjust broth quantity based on desired sauce thickness; less liquid creates a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
  • Cook pasta separately to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture when adding to the slow cooker.
  • Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Substitute cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version.

Beef Pasta Dinner Variations

  • Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace beef with firm tofu or lentils, use vegetable broth, and add extra mushroom soup for richness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure mushroom soup is gluten-free.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Version: Add chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies to the sauce, use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute basil and oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme, add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Pasta Dinner

  • Family Style Feast: Serve this hearty pasta directly from the slow cooker, letting everyone scoop their own generous portions for a cozy family dinner.
  • Gourmet Side Companions: Pair with crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables to complement the rich beef and creamy pasta.
  • Leftover Magic: Store remaining portions in airtight containers for next-day lunch, as flavors often intensify overnight, making an even more delicious meal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top individual servings with extra Parmesan, fresh chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest and personal flair.

How to Store Beef Pasta Dinner

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the pasta's texture.
  • Consume within the first 2 days for optimal flavor and texture, as pasta tends to absorb more liquid and become softer over time.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even turkey for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

No, dried herbs work just fine if you don’t have fresh basil or parsley on hand.

  • What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for a Dutch oven or large pot by cooking on low heat in the oven at 325°F for 3-4 hours.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your mushroom soup is gluten-free.

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Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting creamy garlic beef pasta elevates weeknight dinners with rich, hearty flavors that blend perfectly. Quick and easy preparation makes this dish a delicious family favorite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (penne or similar)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in the slow cooker, creating a savory base for the dish.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Gently pour the prepared sauce over the meat mixture, ensuring even coverage in the slow cooker.
  4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow to simmer for 6-8 hours, enabling the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb rich flavors.
  5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until perfectly al dente.
  6. Drain the pasta thoroughly and add directly into the slow cooker with the beef mixture.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and meat, then gently fold everything together to distribute ingredients evenly.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the pasta.
  9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

  • Customize Meat Selection Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Reduce Sodium Choose low-sodium mushroom soup and broth to control salt intake.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly version.
  • Herb Freshness Chop fresh basil and oregano instead of dried for more vibrant flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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