Sizzling Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic beef pasta recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Aromas of sizzling meat and fragrant herbs will soon fill your kitchen.

Tender strips of beef mingle with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in this quick and satisfying meal that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum taste, making this dish a weeknight winner.

Robust and comforting, each forkful promises a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Garlic Beef Pasta That’s Simple And Delicious

• Simplify Meal Prep: Skip complex cooking techniques with this straightforward slow cooker recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, delicious meal.
• Zero Kitchen Stress: Minimal hands-on cooking means you can set the slow cooker and focus on other activities while a mouthwatering dinner develops.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with robust beef, garlic, and melted cheese, this pasta dish satisfies everyone from picky kids to hungry adults with its rich, homestyle flavors.
• Flexible Serving Style: Enjoy as a chunky beef pasta or shred the meat for a more integrated sauce, making it adaptable to different texture preferences.

Ingredients To Make Garlic Beef Pasta

• Beef Chunks: A hearty meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of aromatic spices that enhance the beef's natural flavor and create depth in the dish.

• Beef Broth, Tomato Paste: A rich liquid base that creates a savory and slightly tangy sauce for the beef and pasta.

• Pasta, Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese: The pasta provides a satisfying carbohydrate base, while the cheese adds creaminess and a delicious finish to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note to the final presentation.

How To Cook Garlic Beef Pasta Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Beef Base

Brown beef chunks in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. This optional step intensifies the meat’s flavor and creates delicious caramelization.

Step 2: Season Beef Mixture

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly mix to ensure beef is evenly coated with spices.

Step 3: Create Sauce Foundation

Pour beef broth into slow cooker and blend in tomato paste.

Stir well to create a rich, robust sauce base that will infuse incredible depth into the dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook Beef

Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

Meat should become incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Approximately 20 minutes before beef finishes cooking, boil pasta in salted water following package instructions.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Shred beef directly in slow cooker using two forks or leave in chunks.

Add cooked pasta and gently stir to blend flavors thoroughly.

Step 7: Enhance with Cheese

Incorporate Parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the mixture.

Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 8: Final Presentation

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and freshness.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips To Improve Garlic Beef Pasta

• Sear meat briefly before slow cooking to lock in rich flavors and create a delicious golden crust.
• Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and allow seasonings to develop a more complex, robust taste.
• Sprinkle cheese gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
• Shred beef with two forks for faster incorporation and more consistent meat distribution throughout the dish.

Variations To Mix Up Garlic Beef Pasta

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace beef with plant-based ground protein or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich garlic and herb flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, and incorporate feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal while keeping the savory beef sauce.

Pairing Suggestions To Go With Garlic Beef Pasta

• Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the garlic beef pasta, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the hearty main dish and add bright, zesty notes.
• Serve warm, toasted sourdough or Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, perfect for soaking up the savory sauce and adding textural contrast.

Storage Tips To Keep Garlic Beef Pasta Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the garlic beef pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat are ideal because they become incredibly tender during slow cooking and absorb flavors well.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Brown the beef first, then cook in the oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours until meat is tender.

• Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

No, it’s optional. Browning adds extra depth of flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time without compromising the overall taste.

• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add pasta only in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and stir gently to prevent overcooking. Use sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold up well.

Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the rich flavors of garlic beef pasta, a comforting Italian-inspired dish that blends tender beef and aromatic garlic with perfectly cooked noodles. Quick and satisfying, this recipe promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 cups uncooked pasta
• 3 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Spices:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Additional:

• Water for boiling pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Elevate beef chunks with optional browning in a skillet with olive oil at medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes per side to enhance flavor profile.
2. Transfer beef to slow cooker and thoroughly coat with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
3. Create robust sauce foundation by incorporating beef broth and tomato paste, whisking to integrate ingredients smoothly.
4. Seal slow cooker and cook at low temperature (6-8 hours) or high temperature (3-4 hours) until meat becomes fork-tender and easily shreddable.
5. Prepare pasta approximately 20 minutes before meat completion by boiling in salted water according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
6. Disintegrate cooked meat using fork within slow cooker, maintaining either shredded or chunked texture, then gently fold in prepared pasta.
7. Integrate Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm, presenting a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Select lean beef cuts like chuck roast or sirloin for maximum tenderness and reduced fat content.
• Trim visible fat before cooking to create a healthier meal option.
• Brown meat beforehand to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles in the final dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pecorino for unique taste variations.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium beef broth and controlling salt quantities.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for increased nutritional value and color.
• Prepare dish ahead of time and store in refrigerator for convenient meal prepping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 462 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 544 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg