Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is an easy, comforting meal that combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one hearty dish. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work. Enjoy gooey cheese, savory beef, and tender pasta in 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
- 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.
- 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 combine.
- Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until it is well coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly on top.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir gently halfway through the cooking time and check the pasta to ensure it is tender.
- Step 5: When the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices and cover again. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Tips & Variations
- For extra veggies, add the optional sliced black olives or mushrooms along with the bell pepper in step 2.
- Use turkey or beef pepperoni based on your preference for a slightly different flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning.
- Make sure to stir halfway through cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking or drying out.
Storage
Store leftover pizza pasta 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 or water to keep it creamy and avoid drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with other small pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time as needed and check for tenderness during the crockpot cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the ground beef and turkey pepperoni, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender rotini pasta with savory ground beef and classic pizza flavors. It’s cooked slowly in a crockpot for easy preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The dish is topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with turkey pepperoni, delivering all the taste of a classic pizza in a pasta form.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 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
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef along with marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors well.
- Add Pasta and Pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, making sure it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top of the pasta mixture to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through the cooking time, give the mixture a gentle stir and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra veggies, consider adding the optional sliced black olives or mushrooms during the initial crockpot mixing step.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- Use low-sodium broths and cheeses if watching your salt intake.
- Make sure to check pasta doneness halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking and mushy pasta.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti if rotini is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Pizza Pasta, Ground Beef, Rotini, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal
