There’s something magical about slow cooker meals—they simmer away all day, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas, and at dinnertime, you’re rewarded with a meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours tending to it. This slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair is the epitome of effortless comfort food.
Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this easy Italian dish combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich, tomato-based sauce. The dish is finished with delicate angel hair pasta, which soaks up all the savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on everything else. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes6
hours420
kcalThis slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair is an easy Italian dish that combines tender beef, savory sauce, and delicate pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs beef stew meat
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz angel hair pasta
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef stew meat on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- About 15 minutes before serving, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions.
- Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir in the cooked angel hair pasta, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before adding the pasta for a creamy variation.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Leftover Hack: This dish reheats beautifully. Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to keep the sauce silky.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe with Angel Hair:
- Sear for Maximum Flavor: Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Angel hair cooks quickly. Add it just before serving to avoid mushy pasta.
- Season Generously: The slow cooker mellows flavors, so don’t be shy with your seasoning. Taste and adjust before serving.
- Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce and beef in advance. Simply reheat and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Recipe Variants:
- Cheesy Beef Pasta: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese and bake for 10 minutes for a gooey, cheesy top.
- Spicy Beef Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or diced chili for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
- Herb-Infused Pasta: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the slow cooker for an aromatic twist.
FAQ:
Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great alternatives if angel hair isn’t available.
While you can skip it, searing the beef adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Yes, freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat.
Love slow cooker recipes? Try our Chicken Alfredo Recipe, a creamy, indulgent dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!
This slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair is a testament to the beauty of simple, slow-cooked meals. The tender beef, savory sauce, and delicate pasta come together in a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, this easy Italian dish will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
With its rich flavors, minimal effort, and customizable options, there’s no reason not to try it. So dust off your slow cooker and prepare to wow your family with a meal that feels like it was made in a trattoria. Buon appetito!
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