Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a family-friendly, slow cooker meal packed with melty cheese, savory pizza sauce, turkey pepperoni, and tender pasta. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd 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, 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 to mix evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce mixture. Place half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, stir the mixture and check for pasta doneness to ensure it doesn’t stick.
5. Step 5: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent it from sticking to the crockpot.
• If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and starts to dry out, add extra beef broth a little at a time.
• For a thicker texture, let the dish sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.
• Optional add-ins like sliced black olives or mushrooms can boost flavor and texture.

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 creaminess. This dish does not freeze well due to the pasta texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or shells work well in this recipe. Avoid very thin pasta as it may overcook in the crockpot.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the ground beef and turkey pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the best flavor.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 98 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a delicious and family-friendly slow cooker meal packed with flavorful lean ground beef, tender rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Enhanced with turkey pepperoni and seasoned vegetables, this hands-off recipe makes an ideal easy dinner for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, delivering all the comfort of pizza in a hearty pasta dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese

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

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: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once browned, 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, beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
3. Add pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Then, place half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly on top.
4. Cook slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and check the pasta for doneness.
5. Add cheese and remaining pepperoni: Once 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 an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Notes

• Use turkey pepperoni to keep the dish lighter and healthier.
• Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent it from sticking to the crockpot.
• If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add extra beef broth to maintain a saucy consistency.
• Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken up for better texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Pasta, Crockpot
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crockpot Pizza Pasta, pizza crockpot recipes, slow cooker pasta bake, kid-friendly crockpot dinner