Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is an easy, comforting meal that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a creamy pasta dish. Perfect for busy days, it cooks slowly to meld savory beef, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese into a satisfying one-pot dinner.

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 black pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat the pasta with the sauce mixture. Top with half of the turkey pepperoni slices and any optional olives or mushrooms you prefer.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and check for doneness.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover again, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes more until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the beef.
• Use your favorite pasta shape if rotini is unavailable; just keep an eye on cooking times.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish before serving for a pop of color.

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 restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta in this recipe?

It’s best to use uncooked pasta as the dish cooks slowly in the crockpot and the pasta absorbs flavors while softening. Using pre-cooked pasta may result in mushy texture.

Can I substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or another topping?

Yes, regular pepperoni or even cooked sausage slices work well. Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.