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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Transfer beef to slow cooker and thoroughly coat with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Create robust sauce foundation by incorporating beef broth and tomato paste, whisking to integrate ingredients smoothly.
- 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.
- Prepare pasta approximately 20 minutes before meat completion by boiling in salted water according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
- Disintegrate cooked meat using fork within slow cooker, maintaining either shredded or chunked texture, then gently fold in prepared pasta.
- Integrate Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- 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