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
Scale
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
