Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a hearty pasta dish. Perfect for busy days, it simmers slowly to meld savory beef, zesty marinara, and melty cheese into every bite.

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 with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain 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.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Place half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
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 avoid overcooking.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the 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.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onion.
• Swap out turkey pepperoni for regular pepperoni or use cooked Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• Use gluten-free rotini to make this dish gluten-free.
• To keep the pasta from getting too soft, check cooking time closely and stir gently halfway through.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the ground beef before browning it to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

What can I substitute for rotini pasta?

Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells will work well in this crockpot dish.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This comforting Crockpot Pizza Pasta combines the rich flavors of lean ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheeses with rotini pasta, all cooked slowly to perfection in a crockpot. Topped with turkey pepperoni and optional veggies, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.

• Author: Zane
• 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

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Meat and Dairy

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 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

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the browned beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, finely 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 to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Then, layer half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top of the mixture.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, gently stir the mixture and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it is cooked through.
5. Add Cheese and Final Pepperoni: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top, add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover the crockpot again, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Notes

• If you prefer more vegetables, add black olives or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Using low-sodium broth and seasoning helps control the salt content for a healthier meal.
• Be sure to stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and to check pasta doneness.
• This recipe works best with a 6-quart crockpot for optimal cooking time and capacity.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, pizza pasta casserole, easy crockpot recipes, ground beef pasta, comfort food