Crockpot Pizza Pasta with Ground Beef, Pepperoni, and Three Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the work.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix well.
- Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
- Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it’s tender but not overcooked.
- Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices, cover, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives or mushrooms when combining the sauce ingredients.
- Use part-skim cheese for a lighter version, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the beef broth to 3/4 cup.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
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, rigatoni, or bow ties. Just ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the crockpot.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
PrintCrockpot Pizza Pasta with Ground Beef, Pepperoni, and Three Cheese Recipe
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal combining juicy ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. It’s a flavorful and effortless dinner option that delivers cheesy, savory goodness with minimal prep and maximum taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
Main 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
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper while cooking. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- 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 everything together until well combined.
- Add pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce mixture. Then, layer half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
- Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it’s tender.
- Add cheese and remaining pepperoni: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and pepperoni and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or olives.
- Check the pasta around the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking and adjust cooking time as needed since crockpot temperatures can vary.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy turkey pepperoni.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to keep it dairy-friendly.
- Stir halfway through cooking gently to prevent pasta from sticking but avoid over-stirring, which can break pasta.
Keywords: crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, easy crockpot meals, cheesy pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, comfort food
