Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is an easy, comforting meal that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in one pot. Perfect for busy days, it uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to deliver a cheesy, flavorful dinner your whole family will love.

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 it 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 beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Then, spread half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking and check if the pasta is tender.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms when combining the ingredients in the crockpot.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• To prevent the pasta from sticking, stir gently halfway through cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture if needed.

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 short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

This dish is best cooked fresh in the crockpot, but you can brown the beef and chop veggies ahead of time. Assemble all ingredients in the morning or before bed and cook when ready.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining the convenience of slow cooking with the classic tastes of pizza. Lean ground beef, marinara sauce, and rotini pasta are slow-cooked together with bell peppers and onions, then topped with melted mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and turkey pepperoni for a delicious, family-friendly dinner.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Protein

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Vegetables & 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

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until no longer pink, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
2. Combine ingredients in crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, finely chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is fully coated with the sauce mixture. Then layer half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top of the pasta mixture.
4. Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours. At about the halfway point, gently stir the contents to prevent sticking and check the pasta’s doneness to ensure it cooks evenly.
5. Add cheese and remaining pepperoni: Once the pasta is tender and cooked through, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
6. Melt the cheese: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on low, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the flavors to meld.

Notes

• You can add optional sliced black olives or mushrooms at step 2 for extra flavor and texture.
• Ensure you use a 6-quart or larger crockpot for ample space and even cooking.
• Stir gently halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the sides.
• Be cautious with salt as marinara sauce and broth already contain sodium; adjust seasoning to taste.
• This recipe is perfect to prepare ahead of time; just set it on low in the morning and enjoy dinner ready in the evening.

Keywords: crockpot pasta, pizza pasta, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, ground beef recipes, one pot meals