If you’re in the mood for a comfort meal that’s as easy as it is indulgent, my Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is exactly what your weeknight needs. Imagine tender pasta cloaked in a rich, garlicky sauce with savory ground beef and gooey mozzarella, all brought together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a family favorite for a reason: hearty, crowd-pleasing, and truly satisfying with every bite!

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a breeze! Every single item adds a little magic—some for aromatic flavor, others for serious creaminess, and of course, that irresistible cheesy finish. Let’s make sure your grocery list is as straightforward as the recipe itself.

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness in the final dish.
Small Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth that helps balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic (minced): The superstar for bold, fragrant flavor that infuses the entire pasta.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch of herbs brings the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta to life.
Salt: Brings all those flavors together—taste as you go for perfection.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A shortcut for richness, creaminess, and umami notes.
Beef Broth: Thins the sauce while adding savory depth.
Heavy Cream: The secret to silken, decadent sauce—don’t skip it!
Sour Cream: Balances the dish with a touch of tanginess.
Penne or Rotini Pasta (uncooked): Choose your favorite; these shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into glorious, stretchy pools—kids and adults both swoon!
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness at the end makes it special.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning builds a deeper savory flavor. Once done, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce in your finished Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer your beef and onion mixture directly into the slow cooker. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly so every bite will have that delicious creamy garlic flavor. At this point, take a moment and give it a taste for seasoning—you want it already crave-worthy before you even add the pasta.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Put the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Set it on low and cook for 3 to 4 hours. This easy hands-off time is when all those flavors really meld together and the kitchen starts to smell heavenly—truly, you’ll start counting down the minutes until dinner.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in your uncooked penne or rotini pasta and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover it back up and let everything cook for another 25 to 30 minutes, just until the pasta is tender and the cheese is deliciously gooey. Give it a good stir before serving to make sure every piece gets some of that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Stir well so the sauce is evenly distributed and creamy. Just before you ladle it up, sprinkle over a shower of fresh chopped parsley. This last touch adds a burst of color, bringing freshness and balance to the creamy richness of your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Garnishes

I love finishing Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—it cuts the richness and adds a lovely freshness. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of extra mozzarella or even some grated Parmesan can elevate it further. Freshly cracked black pepper over the top is never a bad idea, either!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty, so I keep sides simple: lightly dressed greens are perfect for contrast, or try a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies (like broccoli or green beans) feel right at home alongside Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in a large, shallow platter with extra parsley and cheese on top. Or, create individual bowls and place a breadstick right across each for a restaurant-style look. You can even spoon leftovers into ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil for mini pasta bakes—so fun and irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. The pasta will absorb a bit more sauce as it sits, but honestly, it tastes even richer the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but I recommend doing so before you add the pasta—freeze just the sauce base. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, heat gently, add cooked pasta, and you’re good to go. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy after defrosting.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth, cream, or milk to loosen things up. Warm gently on the stove top or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid high heat, as creamy sauces can separate if reheated too quickly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version while still soaking up all the garlicky, creamy flavors—just season a touch more for best results.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of chicken soup, or try a cup of homemade white sauce (butter, flour, and milk thickened together) if you prefer to go from scratch.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your cream of mushroom soup and beef broth are gluten-free as well. The result will be just as luscious!

Is it okay to cook the pasta separately?

Yes, you can cook the pasta on the side and stir it in right before serving—this is a great way to ensure the texture is exactly how you like it, and it prevents overcooking.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers can be stirred in with the sauce for color and nutrition without taking away from that Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta comfort-factor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste how scrumptious and soul-soothing this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta turns out. It’s the kind of recipe made for sharing, perfect for cozy nights, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try—the ease and flavors might just surprise you!

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta. Tender ground beef cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce, mixed with pasta and gooey cheese, creating the perfect family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream

For the Pasta:

2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix well.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add pasta and cheese 30 minutes before serving. Cook until pasta is tender.
Serve: Stir well and garnish with parsley before serving.