Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish lets the slow cooker do all the work while you relax. Enjoy a cheesy, flavorful dinner 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. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper while cooking. 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 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. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and check the pasta for doneness.
5. Step 5: Once the pasta is tender, 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 melts.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onion.
• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Check the pasta at 3 hours to avoid overcooking, as slow cooker temperatures can vary.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Avoid long pasta varieties as they may become too soft in the slow cooker.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the crockpot with the sauce and broth, absorbing flavors as it simmers. Just be sure to stir halfway through cooking to prevent clumping.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta recipe is an easy, flavorful one-pot meal that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, marinara sauce, and pasta cooked together slowly in a crockpot. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese and turkey pepperoni slices, it delivers all the taste of pizza in a comforting, pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Proteins

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

Pasta and Sauces

• 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

Cheeses

• 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, cook the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the browned ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add Pasta and Pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is well coated with the sauce mixture. Then evenly distribute half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Check the pasta for doneness to avoid overcooking.
5. Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices on top.
6. Final Melt: Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted thoroughly and is bubbly.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and prevent excess grease in the dish.
• You can substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or omit for a milder flavor.
• Optional black olives or mushrooms can be added with the vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
• If using a smaller crockpot, adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overfilling or undercooking.
• Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• Check pasta doneness early and adjust cooking time as needed depending on your crockpot.

Keywords: crockpot, pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, comfort food