This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef & Pasta is the kind of cozy dinner I love when I want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen. Tender beef, pasta, garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce come together for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1½ cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the beef
Pat the beef pieces dry and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, and onion powder.
2. Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and olive oil. Stir gently so the beef is coated in the sauce.
3. Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Honestly, I usually prefer the low setting here because it gives the beef plenty of time to become tender and flavorful.
4. Add the pasta
About 25–35 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rigatoni. Make sure there is enough liquid around the pasta. If needed, add another ½ cup of warm beef broth.
Cover and cook until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Check and stir once or twice during this stage.
5. Finish the dish
Stir in Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Let everything sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t add the pasta at the beginning. It can become overly soft during a long slow-cooking time.
- For extra flavor, quickly sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use a hearty pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or shells.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm beef broth.
- For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Fresh Parmesan makes the finished sauce extra rich and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. A little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top makes it look just as delicious as it tastes.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the beef, pasta, sauce, and broth used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. Beef chuck or stew meat works especially well because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
Can I use spaghetti?
You can, although shorter pasta such as rigatoni or penne is easier to cook evenly in a slow cooker.
Can I prepare this without browning the beef?
Absolutely. Browning adds extra flavor, but the recipe will still work if you add the seasoned raw beef directly to the slow cooker.
Can I make this creamy?
Yes! Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, or a little extra Parmesan during the final few minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
Conclusion
If you love easy slow cooker dinners, this Garlic Herb Beef & Pasta is definitely one to save. The beef cooks until tender in a savory garlic-herb tomato sauce, while the pasta turns it into a complete, satisfying meal. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours cooking.