Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish that combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta in a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion)
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce (48 ounces total)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of water
• 16 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any grease, then add the diced onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste and remove from heat.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of one jar of pasta sauce on the bottom.
4. Step 4: Layer half of the uncooked cavatappi pasta over the sauce, then add the remaining half of that jar of sauce on top. Pour half of the water jar evenly over the sauce and pasta, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
5. Step 5: Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef layer. Then add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta and the rest of the ground beef mixture on top.
6. Step 6: Pour the second jar of pasta sauce over the ground beef layer and finish by pouring the remaining half of the water jar on top. Do not stir the layers.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness.
8. Step 8: Stir the pasta gently to combine all layers. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh Italian herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.
• Swap cavatappi with another sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni if preferred.
• For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking.
• To lighten the dish, substitute part of the ground beef with ground turkey.
• Make it vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers instead of meat.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 water or sauce to keep it moist. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well. Avoid very thin pasta as it may become mushy during slow cooking.

Do I need to stir the pasta while it cooks?

No stirring is needed during cooking. The layers cook evenly in the crockpot. Stir gently only after cooking is complete before adding the mozzarella cheese.

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 112 reviews

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting slow cooker dish featuring lean ground beef, a blend of cheeses, Italian seasoning, and tender cavatappi pasta simmered in flavorful pasta sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers a luscious pasta meal perfect for a cozy family dinner with minimal effort.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion)
• salt (to taste)
• ground black pepper (to taste)

Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

Sauces and Pasta

• 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce (48 ounces total)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of water
• 16 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook 2 pounds of lean ground beef until fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then add 1 cup diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth and well blended.
3. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Pour half of one 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of the cooker. Spread half of the uncooked cavatappi pasta (8 ounces) evenly over the sauce, then add the remaining half of the jar of pasta sauce on top. Pour half of the 24-ounce jar of water evenly over this layer, followed by half of the browned ground beef and onion mixture.
4. Add cream cheese mixture and remaining layers: Spoon dollops of the prepared cream cheese mixture on top of the ground beef layer until fully used. Add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta and then the remaining half of the ground beef mixture on top. Pour the second jar of pasta sauce over the beef, then the remaining half of the water. Do not stir the layers.
5. Slow cook the pasta: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
6. Melt the cheese topping: Carefully stir the pasta to combine all layers evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Do not stir the pasta before cooking as it will help layers remain distinct and cook evenly.
• Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker; check pasta doneness starting at 2 hours.
• You can substitute cavatappi pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
• For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Crockpot pasta, slow cooker pasta, million dollar pasta, creamy pasta casserole, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta recipe