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Crockpot Pizza Pasta
When it comes to comfort food that merges convenience with flavor, few recipes can compete with Crockpot Pizza Pasta. This mouthwatering dish, brimming with the familiar tastes of pizza, offers a hearty meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion. Picture this: after a long day, you come home to a warm and delicious dinner that essentially cooked itself while you were busy. This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a cozy dish that the whole family will enjoy, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Making It
What sets this recipe apart is not just its incredible taste but also its effortless preparation. With minimal hands-on time, you can throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic—perfect for those of us juggling work, kids, and a million other responsibilities. The robust flavors from the marinara sauce, seasoned beef, and melted cheeses meld beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly budget-friendly.
"I made this for my family—and they couldn’t get enough! It’s like pizza, but easier and so comforting on a chilly night!"
With a satisfying combination of carbs, proteins, and the familiar flavors of pizza, this meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it up for family gatherings or even casual weeknight dinners; it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Preparing Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Making this dish is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Here’s your easy guide:
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Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that flavorful kick. Drain any excess fat and set it aside.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, mix the cooked beef with marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, bell pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked rotini, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce and seasonings. Then, layer half of the turkey pepperoni on top.
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Cook: Cover and let it cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring halfway through to check on the pasta’s doneness.
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Melt the Cheese: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, adding the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Everything You Need for This Recipe
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to cater to your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Once browned, drain the fat and set it aside.
- In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well integrated.
- Next, stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is completely coated with the sauce.
- Layer half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and set it on low. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring halfway through to check if the pasta is cooked through.
- When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices for extra flavor.
- Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a delicious, gooey layer.
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Serving this Crockpot Pizza Pasta is just as fun as making it. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Because everyone loves dipping warm, buttery bread into cheesy goodness!
- Sliced Veggies: Serve alongside crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks for a fresh touch.
- Herbed Cream Cheese Dip: Pairing it with a creamy dip can take your pizza experience to a whole new level.
Don’t shy away from getting creative—letting your personality shine through on your dinner table is part of the fun!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Storing your Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a breeze. To maintain freshness:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to portion it out into containers before freezing.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or marinara sauce while reheating.
Always ensure you handle food safely to avoid any health risks.
Expert Advice
Here are a few tips to elevate your Crockpot Pizza Pasta experience:
- Browning the beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef. This step adds depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Pasta alternatives: If you want a gluten-free option, swap rotini for gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking times since they may vary.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone or parmesan could add a unique flavor twist.
Creative Twists
Feel like giving your Crockpot Pizza Pasta a little flair? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a zesty surprise.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with a mix of your favorite veggies—mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini work wonders.
- Cheesy Ramen: Swap rotini for ramen noodles for a fun, noodle twist.
- Herb Infusion: Finish with fresh basil or oregano for a pop of freshness.
Your culinary creativity is the only limit!
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The hands-on time is minimal—just about 15-20 minutes to prep everything before letting the crockpot do the work for 3-4 hours.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different pasta shapes, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
What should I do if it’s too dry after cooking?
Don’t fret! If you find your pasta has dried out a bit, simply add a splash of beef broth or marinara sauce when reheating to moisten it up.
Is it safe to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Crockpot Pizza Pasta! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container for the best results.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Use a mix of your favorite vegetables instead of ground beef, and opt for vegetarian cheese to keep it meat-free.
Crockpot Pizza Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. With its robust flavors and easy preparation, it deserves a place in your family’s recipe rotation! Enjoy this delightful dish tonight!
Print
Crockpot Pizza Pasta
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Meat
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines the essence of pizza with easy preparation in a crockpot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a 6-quart crockpot, combine cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning; mix until well integrated.
- Stir in uncooked rotini pasta until fully coated with the sauce.
- Layer half of the turkey pepperoni on top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring halfway through.
- When pasta is tender, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top and add remaining pepperoni slices.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
Feel free to swap ingredients based on preference. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Pizza, Pasta, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
