Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Crockpot Flavorful Beef Pasta recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Get ready to savor the tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce – all made with minimal effort thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra depth of flavor, begin by browning the beef cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the taste of the final dish. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
In your slow cooker, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates a delicious base for your sauce.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the browned beef (if browning), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. This is where the magic of slow cooking truly shines, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Adding Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your chosen pasta. Ensure that there's enough liquid to cook the pasta; if needed, add a little more beef broth. Continue cooking until the pasta is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Serving & Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the Crockpot Flavorful Beef Pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a cozy evening.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetable boost: Include diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different pasta: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Short, sturdy pasta works best.
- Creamier sauce: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and add the pasta just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Crockpot Flavorful Beef Pasta recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of slow cooking. It's a fantastic example of best recipes that are both easy and satisfying. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know your experience in the comments below!