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
- Choose the Right Beef: Opt for cuts that become tender with slow cooking like chuck roast.
- Timing Pasta Addition: Always add pasta towards the end so it doesn't overcook.
- 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
- Overcooking the Pasta: Adding pasta too early makes it mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes.
- Not Browning the Beef: Searing the meat is key to locking in flavor.
- 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
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Beef and Pasta Soup (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mix it well to coat evenly.
- 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
- Add the beef, onions, bacon, and garlic to the slow cooker bowl.
- Add the beef broth.
- Cook on high for 5 hours.
- After 5 hours, add the tomatoes and pasta.
- 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)
- Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a of sprinkle steak seasoning.
Renata Feyen says
That sounds like a very hearty soup. I would definitely pair it with a piece of garlic bread. Who could say no to this
Ntensibe Michael Edgar says
Nnniiiiccceeeeee....this is the kind of meaty dish I love to see here! Let me prepare my bread, as it all simmers together. Thanks for sharing.
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT says
This Beef and Pasta Soup sounds delightful! It's so easy to throw everything in the slow cooker, making it perfect for chilly days. I can’t wait to try it during football season—ideal for feeding a crowd! Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!
Kimberley Asante says
This slow cooker steak pasta soup looks incredibly hearty and delicious! It’s a perfect meal for cozying up on a cool day.
Jen says
This is comfort food at its finest! I'd love to eat this hearty meal on a cold fall or winter day!
Marysa says
This is certainly a hearty combination. Your soup looks delicious and it is easy to make as well. Perfect for our business weeknights in the winter.
Luna S says
This looks like such a delicious and filling meal especially for when it gets chilly out. Thanks for sharing this!
Jess Benoit says
This hearty steak pasta soup looks so amazing! I will share it with my sisters since we love collecting recipes. Thanks!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Beef and Pasta are definitely a good combo and that dish is looking quite delicious! Would love to give this a try sometime soon.
Emily says
I love pasta soups! I have some vegan 'beef' in the freezer that I've been meaning to use, so this would be the perfect recipe to use it all up. Thank you for sharing!`
Melissa Cushing says
I love this recipe so much and already pinned it a few times to ensure I had it in my various Pinterest boards. I will be making this one this weekend...perfect for Fall!
Lavanda Michelle says
This beef and pasta soup sounds perfect for those chilly nights. I love that it’s all in the slow cooker
Christy G says
I need to use my slow cooker more often. I always forget about it. It’s mostly because I’m cooking for two now and not a large family. I might have to give this soup a try next time it gets cold.
Tara Pittman says
I will have to add this recipe to my menu. I love using the slow cooker for meals.
Amber Myers says
Yum, I love a good soup during the fall and winter. This one looks amazing. And I love when I can use the slow cooker.
Beth says
This recipe is a perfect example of how things don't have to be complicated to be delicious. This was so good AND SO EASY!
Tonia @TheChattyMomma says
I love my Crock Pot. It's such a time saver on days I can't slave over the stove. This meal looks delicious.
makeba says
Oh wow! Looks so yummy and sounds so easy to make! I'm a HUGE fan of slow cooker meals, so I'll definitely be trying some of these out at home!
Louise Bishop says
Never had this style of soup with pasta before. I've had terrible luck with pasta in the crock pot. Can't wait to tackle this recipe!
Melissa says
I absolutely love using our slow coooker during the cold winter months! This recipe looks delish thank you so much for sharing it!
Kristi says
Yum! A perfect cold weather meal and while I was looking at how to make it, I see two other recipes on here that I am going to pin. Thank you.
Marcie W, says
This looks outstanding and absolutely perfect for a chilly winter night. I am all about using my slow cooker to save time too.
Dana Valento says
the Raspberry-Balsamic Glazed Chicken looks very tasty! i would like to try it! perfect for lunch date !
Jeanine says
Yum this looks oh so delicious. I am looking for some great soup recipes and this one looks amazing and would be a big hit with my family!
Our Family World says
i love slow cooker! well your steak pasta soup sounds very itnersting to try ! my hubby will like it for surE!
Amanda Love says
I seriously love my slow cooker! It's one of the best things that I have in my kitchen. I love that it's easy to make dinner with it and that there are so many recipes that I can try.
Theresa says
This looks so darn good! I like how simple it is to toss together in the crockpot. Really makes for a hearty dinner without a lot of effort.
Meagan says
This sounds like a delicious dinner. We love slow cooker meals in this house.
Mitch says
Everything looks delicious! I love the idea of using cheaper cuts of meet, I love eating them when they are tender! I am going to have to try some of these!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
That is a hearty looking soup! I love the addition of pasta, definitely a complete meal in itself with that. I am saving your recipe and making this tomorrow. I am sure this will be in our list of family favorites!
Pam Wattenbarger says
This looks like a really awesome soup. We love hearty soups like this when the weather is cold and grey.
robin masshole mommy says
That sounds super yummy! My family is going to LOVE this.
Colleen Lanin says
This is the kind of recipe I love to make whenever possible. Delicious, easy to make meals like this that can power you right through the day are always a great choice.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is so perfect for our family. We love hearty meals like this in the winter, and I always use the slow cooker whenever possible.
Makars Aranas says
Thanks for sharing this great recipe. I'm sure my kids will truly love to taste this yummy pasta dish...
CourtneyLynne says
Omg!!! Can we say yum?!?! 'Tis the season for soups and I do love me some steak so I will
Be trying this recipe!
Lisa Rios says
I always love recipes done using slow cooker or crock pot and my goodness, this looks absolutely delicious. Such a great recipe option for winter and I would love to make use of it.
Elizabeth O. says
That looks so good. It would be nice to serve this during the winter, it's comforting, warm, and filling. This is why i love having a slow cooker.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love to find new slow cooker recipes to try. This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to try it this week.
Vera Sweeney says
This sounds like a great soup to make up!!! I love using my crock pot it makes dinner so much easier to do on busy nights.
Tiffany VanSickle says
I absolutely love cooking in my crock pot! I'm actually planning on making chicken enchilada soup in it for tonight! This looks delicious, too!
Nikki says
I really want to learn how to make more things in the crock pot. This soup looks yummy! The peach crisp looks amazing too!
Kelly Reci says
I would love to try the Mini Preach Crisp. It looks really good!
Victoria says
This pot makes a lovely food! 🙂 I do love to use this soon!
michelle mink says
I think this soup sounds delicious! I have been looking for new recipes to use in my crock pot.
DogVills says
I'm really glad that you shared this easy and fantastic recipe! I'm pretty sure that my husband would love it too, kids as well.
Maureen says
What an easy enough way to make up a good dinner for the cold Fall season, I will have to give it a try! I really love slow cooker meals.
Robin Rue says
This looks absolutely amazing. I love to use my slow cooker and so I will definitely be giving this a try.
Nikki says
Slow cooker is what I prefer for this month, it makes my time easy and also making fantastic food.
Akhil Sharma says
I always prefer cooking in slow cooker, because it promotes green energy in a way, and it allows us to make many delicious items with less efforts. Most of the Indian dishes are made in slow cookers.
MarciaF says
I can't believe I don't own a slow cooker. My husband would love this soup.
Jolina says
OMG whoever invented the slow cooker has my eternal gratitude too! It's so convenient isn't it? This dish looks so delicious. Comfort food if I ever saw one!
Cindy Ingalls. says
I love my slow cooker. I started using it more frequently last fall and realized how much I enjoyed it and how easy it was to make a hearty recipe like this one.
Neely Moldovan says
Im all about the slow cooker this time of year. This sounds so great and easy to make. Count me in !
maria @closetohome says
The weather is finally cooling down here that we are eating more comfort foods like this.