If you are searching for a comforting and easy-to-make meal, look no further than this delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a family favorite. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz uncooked pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, ensuring to remove any excess fat. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, searing them until they are browned on all sides. This process enhances the flavor of the beef, giving it a richer taste. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it will bring out the robust flavors of the garlic and onions. Add them to the slow cooker with the beef.
Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beef is well coated. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before the slow cooker is done, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This ensures that the pasta is fresh and perfectly al dente when combined with the beef mixture.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the beef is tender, mix in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving this mouth-watering dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta
Serve this succulent pasta dish hot, optionally paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a slice of garlic bread to make a full meal. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for an enhanced dining experience.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Tip: Ensure to brown the beef properly to enhance the flavor and richness of the dish. Do not skip this step!
You might also want to experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make it the way you love it.
Packed With Power: High Protein Version
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, consider substituting the pasta with a high-protein variant such as chickpea or lentil pasta. You can also add in a tablespoon of protein powder, specifically designed for cooking, to the sauce to fortify it with extra protein.
This version maintains the delicious taste while giving you a substantial protein boost, making it ideal post-workout or as a satisfying meal any time of day.
Enjoy Without the Guilt: Low Carb Delight
For those watching their carb intake, opting for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles can significantly cut down on carbs while allowing you to enjoy a full plate of flavorful goodness. They pair excellently with the beef and rich sauce.
This alternative retains all of the hearty, comforting tastes you love while aligning perfectly with low-carb dietary preferences.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, or heat on the stovetop over medium heat. For longer storage, freeze portions in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken can be a great substitute and will also absorb the savory garlic flavors well.
- Is there a vegetarian version? You can replace the beef with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Do I need to cook the pasta separately? Yes, cooking pasta separately ensures it doesn’t overcook and become mushy in the slow cooker.
- What if I don’t have beef broth? You can substitute vegetable broth or use water with a teaspoon of soy sauce for flavor.
Why Try This Recipe Today
Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight meal or something special to share with friends and family, this Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is a fantastic choice. Share your dish or any creative tweaks you make in the comments below and inspire others to try this delightful recipe!
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck roast
- olive oil
- garlic
- onion
- diced tomatoes
- beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- uncooked pasta
- grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, removing any excess fat.
- In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium-high heat and add beef cubes, browning them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant for about 3 minutes. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, until beef is tender.
- About 20 minutes before the slow cooker timer is up, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.