Delicious Garlic Beef Pasta

This hearty garlic beef pasta brings together tender slow-cooked beef and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, savory sauce. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing all the aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would cook while I was away at work. The delicious aroma that greeted me when I walked through the door instantly became one of my favorite cooking memories. Now it's a regular in our meal rotation that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat - the marbling in these cuts breaks down during slow cooking for maximum tenderness
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides essential flavor foundation - look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds depth without needing multiple spice jars
• Onion powder: Provides sweet onion flavor without the texture - perfect for picky eaters
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the sauce
• Beef broth: Creates the base for our sauce - choose low-sodium for better flavor control
• Tomato paste: Concentrates umami flavors and helps thicken the sauce
• Pasta of your choice: Shorter shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce best
• Cheese: Adds creamy richness and thickens the sauce - use freshly grated for best melting
• Olive oil: Optional for browning but adds significant flavor boost to the final dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef chunks in a single layer without overcrowding the pan and sear for about 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. This step caramelizes the exterior creating rich flavor compounds that will infuse throughout the dish. Work in batches if necessary as overcrowding prevents proper browning.

Create the Flavor Base:

Transfer browned beef to your slow cooker and sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure each piece of meat is evenly coated with the seasonings. This direct contact between the spices and meat allows the flavors to penetrate deeply during the long cooking process.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour beef broth into the slow cooker and add tomato paste, stirring to dissolve the paste completely. Ensure all browned bits from the beef are incorporated into the liquid as these contain concentrated flavor. The tomato paste adds richness while the broth provides the necessary moisture for proper slow cooking.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid ensuring a tight seal to trap moisture and heat. Set to low for 6-8 hours for the most tender results or high for 3-4 hours if time is limited. The low and slow method allows the collagen in the beef to transform into gelatin creating incredibly tender meat and a silky sauce.

Prepare the Pasta:

About 20 minutes before serving bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt until the water tastes like seawater. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot beef mixture. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.

Combine Components:

Once beef is fork-tender either shred it directly in the slow cooker or leave in chunks based on your preference. Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and gently fold it into the beef mixture until evenly coated with sauce. Allow it to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the flavorful sauce.

Finish with Cheese:

Add your chosen cheese to the mixture while still hot, stirring gently until completely melted and incorporated. The cheese adds a creamy richness that binds the sauce to the pasta creating a cohesive luxurious dish. For extra indulgence you can add a little more cheese on top of each serving.

My favorite part of this recipe is how the garlic transforms during the slow cooking process. What starts as sharp and pungent mellows into a sweet aromatic backdrop that infuses everything. My grandmother always said you could never have too much garlic and this recipe proves her right every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

This beef pasta dish actually improves with time making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the beef portion up to three days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat gently and prepare fresh pasta to combine. Leftovers keep wonderfully in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. For best results reheat portions in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences and pantry. For a more rustic version add mushrooms, carrots, and peas during the last hour of cooking. Red wine can replace part of the beef broth for greater depth while cream added just before serving creates a luxurious finish. For heat lovers, red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne wake up the flavor profile beautifully. The pasta choice significantly impacts the final texture - try egg noodles for comfort food feel or whole grain pasta for more substance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides welcome brightness against the rich flavors. Crusty garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For wine pairing consider a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot whose slight acidity balances the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs just before serving elevates the presentation from homey to impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use cuts like brisket, chuck roast, or even stew meat. Ensure they are well-marbled for tender results.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta works great, but short-cut varieties like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni pair well with this dish.

→ Do I need to brown the beef?

While optional, browning the beef adds a deeper flavor to the dish. It’s recommended if you have extra time.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.