Description
This creamy slow cooker beef pasta recipe combines tender ground beef, savory diced tomatoes, and rich cream cheese for a comforting, hearty meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, the dish offers a perfect blend of Italian seasoning and melted cheese, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pantry and Others
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer beef to slow cooker: Drain excess fat from the skillet, then transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Using the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, then add them to the slow cooker.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Cook pasta: About 20-30 minutes before serving, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta and cream cheese: Stir the cooked pasta and softened cream cheese into the slow cooker mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Adjust consistency and add cheese: If the sauce is too thick, add additional beef broth until desired consistency is reached. Top with shredded cheese and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and lean ground beef.
- You can substitute pasta varieties depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning.
- To save time, cook pasta ahead and refrigerate; add to slow cooker just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
