Introduction

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a delicious and easy one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a comforting pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and fills your home with a wonderful aroma.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat it evenly 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 the pasta halfway through cooking and check for doneness to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices, cover again, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

For added veggies, mix in 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms in Step 2 for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
Make sure to stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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 to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain the best texture.

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. Avoid long pasta as it may become mushy during slow cooking.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?

Yes, browning the beef enhances the flavor and helps reduce excess fat, which improves the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Crockpot Pizza Pasta with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 90 reviews

A delicious and hearty Crockpot Pizza Pasta recipe that combines ground beef, rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses and pepperoni. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for busy days and delivers all the classic pizza flavors in a creamy pasta dish cooked gently in a slow cooker.

Author: Maya
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
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Proteins

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

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

Cheeses

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional

1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
Add the Pasta and Pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is thoroughly coated with the sauce mixture. Spread half of the turkey pepperoni slices over the pasta mixture.
Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and check the pasta for doneness.
Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and turkey pepperoni and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or olives.
Ensure the crockpot is at least 6-quart capacity to prevent overflow during cooking.
Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Using lean ground beef reduces fat content and helps keep the dish healthier.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.

Keywords: crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta, pizza pasta recipe, easy crockpot meals, ground beef pasta, cheese pepperoni pasta