The slow cooker is an essential kitchen tool for anyone looking to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. One recipe that stands out is the slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair. It combines the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked beef stew, the freshness of tomato sauce, and the delicate texture of angel hair pasta. If you want a hearty, flavorful meal that requires little prep time, this recipe is perfect for you.
Not only will the beef become incredibly tender, but the angel hair pasta will absorb all the delicious juices from the beef, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. If you’re looking for a comforting pasta dinner with minimal work, this is the ideal recipe to try! try this internal link : https://sourrecipes.com/alfredo-spaghetti/
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe with Angel Hair
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients for this amazing slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a hearty dish with a flavor-packed sauce and tender beef, all served with the delicate angel hair pasta. To make this meal even more enjoyable, you can explore other slow cooker pasta recipes to complement your dinner. Check out our slow cooker pasta recipes guide for more ideas!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Pasta with Angel Hair
The beauty of this slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair is in its simplicity. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender beef, a savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
Step 1: Brown the Beef for the Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Before placing the beef into the slow cooker, it’s best to brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat. This adds extra flavor to the beef and helps enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Brown beef stew meat or chuck roast in a hot skillet.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Browning the beef before slow cooking is important because it locks in the juices, making the beef more flavorful and tender once it’s slow-cooked. If you’re looking for more tips on preparing beef, you can refer to our searing meat guide.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Once the beef is ready, it’s time to build the sauce. Add the following ingredients to the slow cooker:
- Diced tomatoes for a fresh base.
- Tomato paste to thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor.
- Beef broth to ensure a rich, hearty texture.
- Chopped onions and minced garlic for a savory base.
- Dried herbs like basil and oregano for aromatic flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat.
Stir everything together in the slow cooker to combine the beef and sauce ingredients. For a more robust flavor, you can consider adding a small amount of red wine or balsamic vinegar to enhance the richness of the sauce.
For more tips on creating rich, savory sauces in the slow cooker, check out our slow cooker sauce-making tips.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef for a Flavorful Beef Pasta Sauce
Once everything is in the slow cooker, cover it and set the cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the sauce. The result will be tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and a savory sauce that will coat the angel hair pasta beautifully.
While the beef cooks, the sauce will thicken, and the flavors will develop, making it the perfect accompaniment to the pasta. If you’re looking for other slow cooker beef recipes, you can explore this slow cooker beef stew recipe.
Step 4:
While the beef is slow cooking, it’s time to prepare the angel hair pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Angel hair cooks very quickly, usually within 2-4 minutes, so be sure to watch it closely.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- You can toss the pasta in a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a low-carb version of this recipe, consider swapping the angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Check out our guide on low-carb pasta alternatives.
Step 5:
After the beef has finished cooking, gently mix the angel hair pasta into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors from the beef and tomatoes.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to adjust the consistency. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is covered in the savory sauce. For extra richness, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a creamy finish.
For more slow cooker pasta recipes that you can make, check out this list of slow cooker pasta ideas.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Your Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe with Angel Hair
Now that everything is mixed together, it’s time to serve your slow cooker beef pasta with angel hair. Spoon the beef pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the dish’s richness.
This recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings, and the leftovers taste just as great the next day. Serve it with a side salad or a loaf of garlic bread for the perfect meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat for the slow cooker beef pasta recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the stew meat. While ground beef will cook faster than stew meat, it still provides great flavor. If you choose ground beef, be sure to cook it before adding it to the slow cooker to reduce excess fat. For more ground beef recipes, check out our ground beef slow cooker recipes.
How can I make the slow cooker beef pasta more keto-friendly?
For a keto version of the slow cooker beef pasta with angel hair, replace the angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These low-carb alternatives are perfect for a keto-friendly meal. If you’re following a keto diet, check out our keto-friendly slow cooker recipes.
How long can I store the slow cooker beef pasta leftovers?
You can store leftover slow cooker beef pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
The slow cooker beef pasta recipe with angel hair is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender beef, a savory sauce, and perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a hearty and comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just looking for a delicious pasta recipe, this dish checks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the magic happen! And if you’re craving more pasta options, be sure to explore our other slow cooker pasta recipes.