Slow Cooker Creamy Pepperoncini Beef Mafalda

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Slow Cooker Creamy Pepperoncini Beef Mafalda (Cozy Cold-Weather Comfort Food)

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If you’re craving a hearty slow cooker beef recipe that warms you from the inside out, this Creamy Pepperoncini Beef Mafalda is the perfect cold-weather dinner. With just one simple mixture poured over raw beef chunks and dry pasta, your crockpot does all the work—creating tender, fall-apart beef in a rich, tangy, creamy sauce.

This is the kind of comfort food dinner you’ll want on repeat all winter long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✔️ One-pot slow cooker meal
  • ✔️ Minimal prep time
  • ✔️ Rich, creamy, tangy flavor
  • ✔️ Perfect for cold weather dinners
  • ✔️ Family-friendly comfort food
  • ✔️ Beef and pasta cook together

The combination of pepperoncini juice, beef stock, cream cheese, butter, and garlic creates a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that soaks beautifully into the beef and pasta.

Slow Cooker Creamy Pepperoncini Beef Mafalda

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 8 ounces dry mafalda pasta (mini lasagna-style noodles)
  • 1 cup beef stock or broth
  • ¾ cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly spray a 5–6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

2️⃣ Add the Pasta

Spread the dry mafalda pasta evenly across the bottom.

3️⃣ Season the Beef

Pat beef chunks dry and season with salt and black pepper. Arrange evenly over the pasta.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Pepperoncini Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Beef stock
  • Pepperoncini juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning (if using)

Add cubed cream cheese and butter. Stir gently (it’s okay if it looks lumpy).

5️⃣ Pour & Cook

Pour the entire mixture evenly over the beef and pasta.

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 6–7 hours, or
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Avoid lifting the lid early so the pasta cooks evenly.

6️⃣ Stir & Finish

About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir. The cream cheese and butter will melt into a creamy sauce.

If too thick: add a splash of warm broth.
If too thin: cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

What to Serve With Creamy Pepperoncini Beef

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with:

  • 🥗 Simple green salad with vinaigrette
  • 🥖 Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
  • 🥦 Roasted broccoli
  • 🥕 Oven-roasted carrots
  • 🫘 Steamed green beans

Top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Variations & Tips

🔥 Add Heat

Add sliced pepperoncini peppers or red pepper flakes for extra spice.

🌶 Make It Milder

Use ½ cup pepperoncini juice and replace the remaining ¼ cup with more beef stock.

🥩 Try Other Proteins

Swap beef chuck for:

  • Pork shoulder
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs

🥛 Make It Richer

  • Add 2 extra ounces cream cheese
  • Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving

🥕 Add Hidden Vegetables

Finely dice carrots and celery and place under the beef before cooking.

🍝 Pasta Substitutions

If mafalda isn’t available, use:

  • Rotini
  • Penne
  • Bowtie pasta

Stick to about 8 ounces and avoid very small pasta shapes.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze without pasta for best texture if making ahead.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Pepperoncini Beef Mafalda is the ultimate comfort food crockpot recipe—rich, tender, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With one easy sauce poured over raw beef chunks, you get a full, stick-to-your-ribs dinner with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for:

  • A hearty winter slow cooker meal
  • An easy beef chuck roast recipe
  • A creamy pasta comfort food dish
  • A family-friendly crockpot dinner

This recipe delivers every time.

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