Slow Cooker Beef & Pasta

Description

A hearty and comforting slow-cooker meal made with tender beef, rigatoni pasta, garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy days.

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1½ lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef pieces for 2–3 minutes per side.
2. Add to slow cooker: Place the beef, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
3. Make the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta during the last 25–35 minutes of cooking. Add a little extra broth if needed.
6. Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it sit for 5 minutes.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Healthy Benefits

• Beef: Provides protein and iron.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants such as lycopene.
• Garlic: Adds flavor and beneficial plant compounds.
• Parsley: Adds vitamins and freshness.

Pro Tip

For the best flavor, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Don’t add the pasta too early or it may become mushy.

Frequency

Enjoy as an occasional hearty dinner, especially when you want an easy make-ahead meal.

Q/A

Can I use another pasta?
Yes! Penne, ziti, shells, or rotini work well.

Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, but browning gives the dish deeper flavor.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.

Serve

Serve hot with:

• Green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Extra Parmesan

Variations

• Cheesy: Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella before serving.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Creamy: Stir in a little cream cheese at the end.

Related Recipe Ideas

• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Garlic Butter Beef & Potatoes
• Beef Tomato Pasta
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

Final Thought

Tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and comforting pasta make this an easy family dinner everyone will love.