Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a simple, hands-off meal that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy days, it delivers comforting, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 jar pizza sauce
- 1 packet Italian seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Step 2: In the crockpot, combine the browned meat, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, uncooked penne pasta, and water. Stir to mix well.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Step 4: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Step 5: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, stir gently and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Try using turkey pepperoni or adding sliced bell peppers and mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese when adding the mozzarella.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini. Avoid delicate pasta that might overcook easily.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the meat and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
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Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a delicious and easy one-pot meal combining all the comforting flavors of pizza with the convenience of slow cooking. Ground meat simmers with pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and penne pasta in the crockpot, then finishes with melty mozzarella and pepperoni for a hearty, kid-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 jar pizza sauce (about 24 oz)
Seasoning
- 1 packet Italian seasoning (about 1 tbsp)
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
Liquids
- 2 cups water
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness in the final dish.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat to the crockpot. Add the jar of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning packet, uncooked penne pasta, and 2 cups of water. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, stir the mixture to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the flavors meld well.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted throughout the pasta. Then, evenly distribute the pepperoni slices on top. Cover and let the cheese melt fully.
- Serve Warm: Once the cheese has melted and the pepperoni is heated, scoop servings into bowls or plates and serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water to 1 1/2 cups.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crockpot pizza pasta, slow cooker pasta recipe, easy dinner, one pot meal, family friendly pasta
