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 the slow cooker do the work while you relax. Enjoy a cheesy, flavorful dish with minimal effort.

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 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 and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Halfway through cooking, stir the pasta gently and check for doneness.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices, cover, and cook for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Include 1/2 cup of sliced black olives or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, use pepperoni with a bit of a kick or add red pepper flakes.
• To prevent pasta from becoming mushy, check for doneness early and adjust cooking time based on your crockpot’s heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through or gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist. This dish is best enjoyed within a few days for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, rotini works well because it holds sauce, but other small pasta shapes like penne or shells can be used. Avoid very large shapes that may not cook evenly in the crockpot.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the crockpot with the sauce and broth. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

A delicious and easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta recipe that combines ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting one-pot meal inspired by classic pizza flavors.

• Author: Elias
• 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 Protein

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

Pasta & Sauce

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

Vegetables & 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

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and 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, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all flavors.
3. Add pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is well coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and to check if the pasta is tender.
5. Finish with cheese and pepperoni: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• You can customize this recipe by adding 1/2 cup of sliced black olives or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Stir halfway through cooking to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
• If your crockpot runs hot, check pasta doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
• This recipe works well in a 6-quart crockpot to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one pot meal, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta bake