Pizza Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta. It’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is fully coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices over the top.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, stir the pasta gently and check for doneness to ensure it cooks evenly.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices. Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms along with the peppers and onions.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef for a different protein option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.
• Stir gently halfway through cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, rotini works well because it holds sauce nicely, but penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni can be good alternatives. Avoid delicate pasta shapes that may mush when slow-cooked.

Is it possible to make this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, you can add all ingredients except the cheese to a large pot. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked. Add cheese at the end, cover, and let it melt before serving.

Pizza Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 490 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make crockpot recipe that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with hearty rotini pasta. Ground beef, marinara sauce, and Italian seasonings meld together as the pasta cooks slowly in the sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and turkey pepperoni for a deliciously cheesy finish.

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Ingredients

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Main 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

Cheese and Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 20 slices turkey pepperoni
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Combine ingredients in crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, low-sodium beef broth, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add the pasta and pepperoni: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta until it is well coated with the sauce mixture. Then, top the mixture with half of the turkey pepperoni slices evenly distributed.
4. Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Approximately halfway through the cooking time, stir the mixture gently and check the doneness of the pasta to ensure it is cooked to your preference.
5. Add cheese and finish cooking: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining turkey pepperoni slices. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
• Check pasta early to prevent overcooking, as slow cookers vary in temperature.
• Optional black olives or mushrooms add extra flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• You can substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or omit for a milder taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Pizza Pasta, Crockpot Pasta, Slow Cooker Recipes, Italian-American, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Dinner