If there’s one dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Garlic Beef Pasta. You know the kind of meal I’m talking about—the one that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas, makes everyone wander in asking, “Is it ready yet?”, and somehow tastes even better than you imagined. This is that recipe.
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, errands, or just the mental load of daily life , this Garlic Beef Pasta is here to make dinner easier without sacrificing flavor. It’s rich, hearty, and made mostly in the slow cooker—so it works with your schedule, not against it.
And while chicken is usually my star, I have a serious soft spot for cozy beef dishes like this one. This recipe came from one of those weeks when I needed something filling, simple, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Spoiler alert: it worked—and now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Beef Pasta
Let me guess—you want dinner that checks at least three of these boxes:
- Easy to make
- Family-approved
- Comforting and filling
- Great for leftovers
- Doesn’t require standing over the stove all night
Good news: Garlic Beef Pasta checks all of them.
The beef cooks low and slow until it’s fork-tender, soaking up garlicky, savory goodness. The pasta gets tossed right into that rich sauce at the end, along with melty cheese that brings everything together. It’s the kind of meal that feels a little indulgent but is actually very practical—my favorite kind.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here. Just simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups uncooked pasta, any shape you love
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
If your pantry looks anything like mine, you probably already have most of these on hand. And if not? Easy swaps are coming later—I’ve got you covered.
How to Make Garlic Beef Pasta (Step by Step)
This recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving. No fancy techniques, no stress.
1. Prep the Beef
If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks for about 3 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds a deeper flavor that I really love.
If your day is already chaotic, feel free to skip it. The slow cooker will still work its magic.
2. Assemble Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the beef chunks to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the meat. Give it a quick stir so everything is nicely coated.
3. Add the Broth and Tomato Paste
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste. This simple combo creates a rich, savory sauce that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it—when really, the slow cooker does all the work.
4. Let It Cook
Cover and cook:
- On low: 6–8 hours
- On high: 3–4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. At this point, your house will smell amazing.
5. Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before the beef is done, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine Pasta and Beef
Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker or leave it in chunks—totally your call. Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined and coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Add the Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan or mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. This is where the dish really comes together.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. Watch it disappear.
Helpful Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Short on time? Skip browning the beef. The recipe still works beautifully.
- Sauce too thin? Let it sit uncovered on “warm” for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of beef broth or pasta water and stir.
- Garlic lover? Add an extra clove or two. I won’t judge—I’ll probably do the same.
And if your sauce looks a little uneven at first, don’t panic. Once the pasta and cheese go in, everything smooths out like magic.
A Little Personal Note
This Garlic Beef Pasta became one of my go-to meals during a season when evenings felt rushed and exhausting. I needed something that could cook while I handled everything else—and still feel special when we finally sat down together.
The first time I made it, my family went quiet at the table. You know that kind of quiet—the good kind. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

FAQs About Garlic Beef Pasta
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast and stew meat work best because they become tender over long cooking times. Avoid lean cuts—they can get tough.
What pasta works best for Garlic Beef Pasta?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works great because it holds onto the sauce. But honestly, use what you have.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the beef portion without the pasta for best results. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas are great additions. Stir them in near the end of cooking.
A Cozy Ending Worth Sharing
There’s something deeply satisfying about serving a meal that feels both comforting and effortless, and Garlic Beef Pasta delivers on both fronts. It’s rich without being heavy, simple without being boring, and flexible enough to fit real life.
If you’re craving a dinner that makes everyone feel taken care of—without taking over your entire evening—this recipe is for you. I hope it becomes one of those meals you come back to again and again, just like I do.
From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking—and don’t forget to enjoy every garlicky bite
Still Hungry? Here Are a Few Cozy Favorites You’ll Love
If this Garlic Beef Pasta hit the spot, here are a few more comforting dinners you might want to try next. Each one brings that same cozy, satisfying feeling—perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious:
- Craving another slow-cooked comfort classic?
👉 Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is loaded with tender beef and rich, hearty flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. - In the mood for more creamy pasta goodness?
👉 Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a family-friendly favorite with bold flavor and an easy, weeknight-ready approach. - Love meals that practically cook themselves?
👉 Slow Braised Pot Roast delivers fall-apart beef and deep flavor—perfect for hands-off cooking days. - Want another garlic-forward pasta everyone will devour?
👉 Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is rich, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Bookmark a couple, rotate them into your dinner plans, and keep the cozy meals coming. Dinner just got a whole lot easier—and more delicious.
Print
Garlic Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—tender slow-cooked beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce all in one cozy bowl. It’s easy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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3 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 cups uncooked pasta (rigatoni, penne, or rotini)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Optional Browning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks for about 3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
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Season the Beef: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste until combined.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender.
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Cook Pasta: About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain.
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Combine: Shred the beef if desired, then stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker.
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Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan or mozzarella until melted and creamy.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Browning the beef adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Use short pasta shapes so they hold onto the sauce better.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add a splash of beef broth if the pasta thickens too much after sitting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg