This Easy Crockpot Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked beef simmers in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a tender and savory dish that pairs perfectly with bowtie pasta.
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this slow cooker meal is a fuss-free way to enjoy a hearty pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will become a go-to favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Slow-Cooked Beef:
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Beef:
- Heat the oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
- Sear the beef: Brown the beef pieces on all sides for 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer to crockpot: Place the seared beef into the slow cooker.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté the onions & garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan: Add a splash of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the onion mixture into the slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Slow Cooking:
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef: Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with butter.
- Add to slow cooker: Stir the pasta into the sauce, adding Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using) for extra richness.
Serving:
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Use Chuck Roast: This cut becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- For a Creamier Sauce: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta separately to avoid mushy texture.
- Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
Creative Variations
- Mushroom & Beef Pasta: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
- Cheesy Beef Pasta: Mix in shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy dish.
- Herb Butter Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in garlic herb butter before adding to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What other pasta can I use? Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well too.
Can I use ground beef instead? Yes! Brown 1 lb of ground beef and follow the same steps.
This Easy Crockpot Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect one-pot meal for a cozy family dinner. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this hearty dish will become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it today!
