Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 2–3 hours on LOW (for the sauce)
– Pasta cooking time: 20–30 minutes
– Total time: Approximately 2½–3½ hours
– Servings: 6–8
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cooking method: Slow cooker
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
– 2 pounds (900 g) lean ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the creamy sauce
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1½ cups beef broth
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta
– 1 pound (450 g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
For garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– ¼ cup extra shredded cheddar cheese
– Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ground beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon.
Cook for approximately 7–9 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add onions and garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Season the beef
Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
Stir well so the seasoning coats the beef evenly.
Add Worcestershire sauce and mix again.
Step 4: Transfer to the slow cooker
Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 5: Prepare the creamy mushroom sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
– Cream of mushroom soup
– Beef broth
– Heavy whipping cream
– Onion powder
– Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the sauce
Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the ground beef.
Stir gently until the beef is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Add butter and cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Step 7: Slow cook the beef mixture
Cook on LOW for approximately 2–3 hours.
This allows the beef, onion, garlic, and mushroom sauce to blend together into a rich and savory mixture.
If your slow cooker runs hot, begin checking the sauce earlier.
Step 8: Cook the bowtie pasta separately
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.
Usually this takes approximately 10–12 minutes.
Drain the pasta thoroughly.
Do not overcook it because it will soften further when mixed with the hot sauce.
Step 9: Add the pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the slow cooker.
Gently stir until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy beef sauce.
Step 10: Add cheddar cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta.
Add grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 11: Adjust the consistency
If the pasta looks too thick, add a little warm beef broth or milk.
Stir gently until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Step 12: Final cheesy finish
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the slow cooker for approximately 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 13: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper over the finished pasta.
Serve warm in individual bowls.
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with:
– Garlic bread
– Fresh green salad
– Steamed broccoli
– Roasted green beans
– Garlic butter carrots
– Parmesan breadsticks
– Cucumber and tomato salad
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, assuming 8 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 610 kcal
Protein 35 g
Carbohydrates 49 g
Fat 30 g
Saturated Fat 15 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 780 mg
Calcium 240 mg
Iron 4 mg
Potassium 570 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the beef, pasta, cheese, soup, and broth brands.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Ground beef and cheese provide protein for muscle maintenance.
– Iron: Ground beef provides iron, which supports healthy red blood cell production.
– Vitamin B12: Beef and dairy provide vitamin B12 for normal nerve function.
– Zinc: Beef contributes zinc, which supports immune function.
– Calcium: Cheddar and Parmesan provide calcium for strong bones and teeth.
– Phosphorus: Beef and dairy provide phosphorus for bone health.
– Vitamin B6: Ground beef contributes vitamin B6, which supports energy metabolism.
– Energy: Bowtie pasta provides carbohydrates for energy.
– Fiber: Pasta and onions contribute some dietary fiber.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor.
2. Drain excess grease to prevent an oily sauce.
3. Use fresh garlic and onion for extra flavor.
4. Cook bowtie pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
6. Add Parmesan for extra savory flavor.
7. Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt.
8. Add extra milk or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
9. Add cheese toward the end for a creamy texture.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley immediately before serving.
Delicious Variations
– Extra Cheesy Beef Pasta: Add ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
– Spicy Beef Bowties: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
– Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta: Add extra garlic and Parmesan.
– Mushroom Beef Pasta: Add 1 cup sliced sautéed mushrooms.
– Vegetable Beef Pasta: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas.
– Tex-Mex Beef Pasta: Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, although the creamy sauce and pasta may change texture.
– Stovetop reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth and heat gently.
– Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
For the best texture, store the sauce and pasta separately if preparing ahead.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy (heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and butter).
– Contains wheat/gluten (bowtie pasta and condensed soup may contain wheat).
– May contain soy depending on packaged ingredients.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Check packaged mushroom soup, pasta, broth, and cheese labels for possible cross-contact.
Easy family comfort-food dinner
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Slow Cooker Beef Bowtie Pasta!