Beef and Pasta Soup (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)

When it gets cold out, there's nothing like a big ol' bowl of Beef and Pasta Soup to warm you up. This is an easy one, my friends. Rich beef, perfect pasta, fresh veggies all in a slow cooker. Filling, nutritious and easy to make. No matter your cooking skills, you can easily make this delicious soup!

We are all busy moms. The more kitchen hacks I find that make my life easier the better. I love anything that will simplify or streamline the process. This is why I love my slow cooker. Whoever invented the slow cooker is a genius but I wish I could count that person as one of my BFF's if I only knew who that was!

The slow cooker has been around since 1970 and the name is often used interchangeably with the ever popular Crock Pot. Whatever you call it you'll end up with almost the same results in your finished dishes so no worries if you choose to make this in a slow cooker or Crock Pot.

One of the best things about using a slow cooker is you can buy and use tough cuts of meat. But the moist heat method of cooking with a slow cooker or Crockpot can tenderize even the toughest of stew meats so when you pierce with a fork it falls apart.

If saving money is key the cheaper cuts of meat become super important. Beef stew meat is often less expensive to buy and if you're feeding a crowd (or just some hungry boys like me) more is better!

So with the weather cooling off and football season in full swing get in the kitchen and throw this together for tonight.

Oh, and did I mentioned, the pasta makes it more filling? Here's what you'll need to start and then, the beauty, you can walk away while your appliance does all the work!

Ingredients for Beef and Pasta Soup

To make this beef and pasta soup in the slow cooker, you'll need:

• Beef: High quality beef stew meat or chuck roast, trimmed and cubed.
• Pasta: Small shapes like ditalini, elbow or orzo.
• Broth: Beef broth for deep flavor.
• Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots and garlic.
• Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves, dried thyme, oregano, salt and black pepper.
• Optional Add-Ins: Spinach, kale or beans.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker: Get a good one for even cooking.
• Ladle: A big ladle makes serving easier.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the beef and veggies evenly.

Step by Step How to Make Delicious Beef and Pasta Soup

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients: Cube the beef, chop the veggies, measure the spices.

Step 2: Brown the Beef: Heat oil and brown the meat in a skillet. This locks in flavor.

Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker: Add the beef, veggies, broth and spices to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook: Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until beef is tender.

Step 5: Add Pasta: In the last 30 minutes add the pasta to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Serve Hot: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning and serve with fresh parsley.

What Makes This Soup Hearty?

Hearty soups are filling and nourishing; this beef and pasta soup is no exception. The tender chunks of beef, pasta and veggies make a complete meal. The slow cooking method ensures the meat absorbs the flavors so every bite is rich and delicious.

Health Benefits of Hearty Beef and Pasta Soup

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse:

• Protein: Beef is high in protein for muscle health.
• Fiber: Veggies add fiber for good digestion.
• Carbs: Pasta is energy boosting carbs.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Tomatoes, carrots and celery have vitamins A, C and potassium.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Want to make it your own? Try:

• Different Beef Cuts: Ground beef or short ribs.
• Alternate Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten free.
• Additional Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: Crushed red pepper or smoked paprika.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This slow cooker beef and pasta soup is even better the next day! Here's how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions in an airtight container for 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For a full meal:

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread or a baguette to mop up the broth.
• Salad: A light side salad with balsamic vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the rich soup.
• Beverages: Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a dark beer.

Pro Tips for Beef and Pasta Soup

1. Choose the Right Beef: Opt for cuts that become tender with slow cooking like chuck roast.
2. Timing Pasta Addition: Always add pasta towards the end so it doesn't overcook.
3. Layering Flavors: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the beef to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Adding pasta too early makes it mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes.
2. Not Browning the Beef: Searing the meat is key to locking in flavor.
3. Too Much Salt: Be careful with salt especially if using canned broth. Adjust seasoning at the end.

FAQ

• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• What pasta is best for soups? Small shapes like ditalini or orzo work best as they don't overwhelm the soup.
• Can I cook this on the stovetop? Yes, simmer all ingredients (except pasta) for 1.5-2 hours. Add pasta in the last 10 minutes.

Seasonal and Occasion Based Variations

Add diced butternut squash and a pinch of cinnamon for a fall version. For a spring version add fresh peas and basil. This recipe is good for any season!

Done!

This beef and pasta soup is a comforting dish for any season. With tender beef, fresh veggies and great broth, it's a family favorite. Whether you're preparing for a cozy night or meal prepping for the week, this soup has you covered. Try it and share yours!

*This recipe post originally published on February 05, 2017.  Edited and updated, October 23, 2024. 

*This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy for more details. 

MORE DELICIOUS PASTA AND SOUP RECIPES TO TRY!  

• Easy Taco Soup 
• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach and Sausage 
• Pumpkin Soup Recipe And How to Roast a Pumpkin

I hope you like this recipe for easy beef and pasta soup - be sure to give it a review below!

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Beef and Pasta Soup (Slow Cooker Recipe)

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5 from 5 reviews

• Author: Jocelyn Brown

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs. beef stew meat (cut further into ½ - ¼” pieces)
• 1 can stewed tomatoes (large), undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• ⅓ cup onions, chopped
• 1 – 2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 3 pieces bacon, diced, raw
• 6 oz. ditalini pasta
• 1 tbsp. Montreal Steak Spice
• 2 tbsp. flour

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mix it well to coat evenly.
2. Sear the beef over med high heat to brown/caramelize. You may have to do sear the beef in two or more batches. Season with the steak spice
3. Add the beef, onions, bacon, and garlic to the slow cooker bowl.
4. Add the beef broth.
5. Cook on high for 5 hours.
6. After 5 hours, add the tomatoes and pasta.
7. Allow to cook another 30 min to an hour, or until the pasta is soft. (Some slow cookers cook at different temperatures. Mine took 40 minutes to cook the pasta)
8. Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a of sprinkle steak seasoning.