Crockpot Pizza Pasta

Crockpot Pizza Pasta is an exciting dish that combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the comforting warmth of pasta. Picture perfectly cooked rotini immersed in a rich tomato sauce, melded with gooey cheese, savory beef, and aromatic spices. The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a fun game-day meal.

The best part? As you come home to the delightful aroma wafting from your slow cooker, you’ll experience the anticipation that comes with delicious food. The layers of flavor, texture, and heartiness will surely make this dish a favorite in your household. In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, provide step-by-step instructions, and share tips for serving and storing. Get ready to dive into an easy and satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh peppers, onions, and lean ground beef, each bite bursts with flavor.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
4. Versatility: Customize it with your favorite toppings or pasta shapes—there are endless possibilities!
5. Presentation: Its colorful layers and melty cheese are sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

You will fall in love with its simplicity and deliciousness!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 6 hours and 15 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 6 hours

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, add the browned beef, uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pasta is tender.
4. Add Cheese: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then top with turkey pepperoni and optional olives or mushrooms.
5. Melt and Serve: Allow the cheese to melt. Stir everything together and serve hot!

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Scoop the pasta into large bowls and top with extra cheese or fresh basil for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Portions: This dish serves 6-8, making it great for family dinners or leftovers.
4. Beverage Pairing: Pair with a crisp iced tea or a light red wine for an elevated experience.

This dish is perfect for sharing or enjoying on a quiet night in!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Customization: Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different meat flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs to elevate the meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with a medley of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
2. Spicy Pepperoni: Use spicy pepperoni slices for an added heat that enhances the pizza flavor.
3. Creamy Option: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta in the last 15 minutes for a rich, creamy texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked pasta dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to cook it before adding it to the crockpot.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? For a low-carb option, substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
4. Can I customize the flavors? Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.
5. Can I make this dish in an instant pot? Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the meat and then pressure cook everything together for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pizza Pasta brings the delightful flavors of pizza together with hearty pasta in a winning dish everyone will love. With easy preparation and delicious results, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. The beautiful combination of fresh ingredients and cheesy goodness makes it a standout recipe. Dive into this delectable dish, and share the joy of cooking with your family and friends!

Crockpot Pizza Pasta

An exciting dish that combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the comforting warmth of pasta, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 525

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean) Can substitute with ground turkey or sausage.
• 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• 24 ounces marinara sauce Use your preferred brand.
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth For added flavor while keeping it healthier.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper diced Can substitute with other bell pepper colors.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni Can use regular pepperoni or spicy for added flavor.
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms Optional for added toppings.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. In the crockpot, add the browned beef, uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Cooking

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pasta is tender.
2. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then top with turkey pepperoni and optional olives or mushrooms.
3. Allow the cheese to melt. Stir everything together and serve hot.

Notes

For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.