Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a creamy pasta meal. With a simple slow cooker method, you’ll have dinner ready with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot, stirring it in to coat it evenly with the sauce and ingredients. Place half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the pasta halfway through cooking, and check for doneness to ensure the pasta is tender.
5. Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Using turkey pepperoni keeps the dish leaner without sacrificing flavor.
• Try swapping rotini for penne or elbow macaroni for a different texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Add black olives or mushrooms during step 2 for more pizza-like toppings.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through or heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle will work well in this recipe. Just ensure the cooking time remains the same or adjust slightly if needed.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can brown the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to start the slow cooker. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh in the crockpot to avoid overcooking.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a delicious and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of slow cooking. Ground beef, rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together in a savory tomato base, enhanced with Italian seasoning and topped with turkey pepperoni for a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni

Pasta & Sauces

• 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Vegetables

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Seasonings & Spices

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well to combine all flavors.
3. Add Pasta and Pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until all pasta is coated evenly with the sauce mixture. Then, place half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, give the mixture a gentle stir and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it’s cooked through but not mushy.
5. Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni: Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices on the cheese layer.
6. Melt the Cheese: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on low, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

• You can add 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and season cautiously to control salt content.
• Make sure to stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes alongside Italian seasoning.
• Ensure the crockpot is at least 6-quart capacity to avoid overflow during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy dinner, ground beef pasta, rotini pasta recipe, cheese pasta bake, turkey pepperoni pasta