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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/crockpot-million-dollar-pasta-recipe/