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Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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