When comfort food meets convenience, you get a dish like Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Pasta. Tender, slow-cooked brisket blends beautifully with pasta and a rich tomato sauce, creating a meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor. This recipe requires minimal effort but rewards you with a restaurant-quality dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other things.
- Deep flavor: Slow cooking allows the brisket to become incredibly tender while infusing the sauce with rich, savory notes.
- One-pot meal: Protein, carbs, and sauce all cook together for easy preparation and cleanup.
- Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply when you crave comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef brisket
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes with herbs)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the brisket in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Add Vegetables and Sauce
Scatter diced onions and garlic over the brisket. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. - Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the brisket is tender enough to be fork-tender. - Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked pasta. Stir gently to combine. If needed, add extra broth or water to ensure pasta cooks evenly. - Shred and Serve
Shred the brisket directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated with sauce and the beef is evenly distributed.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Pasta is a true comfort dish—tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful tomato base all in one pot. It’s a time-saving recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.