Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy days, it lets you set it and forget it while creating a cheesy, savory dinner the whole family will love.

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, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked through, 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 green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Then, top with half of the turkey pepperoni slices.
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 evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• Add sliced black olives or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and pepperoni and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Stir gently about halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni works well in this recipe. Just keep the cooking time similar, checking for tenderness.

How can I prevent the pasta from getting too soft or mushy?

Be sure to stir the pasta halfway through cooking and check doneness early. Avoid cooking much longer than recommended to keep the pasta al dente.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal that combines the flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta, cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Ground beef, rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses slow-cooked to perfection create a creamy, cheesy dish perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Pasta and Sauces

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

Seasonings

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

Cheese and Toppings

• 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. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Break it apart as it cooks until fully browned. Drain off excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, place the browned ground beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
3. Add Pasta and Pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly over the pasta mixture.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, stir the mixture gently and check the pasta for doneness to avoid overcooking.
5. Add Cheese and Final Topping: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• You can customize the recipe by adding optional sliced black olives or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Ensure to check the pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• This recipe works best in a 6-quart crockpot to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
• For a lower-fat version, consider using part-skim cheeses or turkey sausage instead of ground beef.

Keywords: crockpot pasta, pizza pasta, slow cooker recipe, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, one-pot meal