Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is the perfect hands-off meal for busy days. Combining hearty ground beef, tender rotini, and classic pizza flavors, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that cooks slowly to meld all the delicious ingredients together.

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 over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, making sure it is fully coated with the sauce mixture. Place half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir once halfway through the cooking time and check if the pasta is tender.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices. Cover again and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms when combining ingredients in the crockpot.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary variation.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the pasta from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work well. Just make sure they cook in about the same time to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef adds flavor and helps drain excess fat, but if you’re in a hurry, you can add it raw to the crockpot. Just be sure to cook the dish a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 684 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a hearty and delicious one-pot meal combining lean ground beef, rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all cooked slowly in a crockpot. It’s a convenient and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, bringing together classic pizza flavors in a comforting pasta bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein

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

Pasta and Sauce

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

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 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

Cheese

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

Optional

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Combine crockpot ingredients: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, finely chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add the pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, making sure it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Place half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top of the pasta mixture.
4. Cook the pasta mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and check the doneness of the pasta.
5. Add cheese and remaining pepperoni: Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even pasta cooking.
• Optional ingredients like black olives or mushrooms can be added along with the vegetables for extra flavor.
• If your crockpot runs hot, check pasta doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
• For a lower fat version, substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or omit entirely.
• Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker recipes, easy pasta dinner, crockpot recipes, pizza pasta bake