Description
This Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. It combines ground beef, creamy cheeses, and pasta sauce cooked together with uncooked pasta for an easy, hands-off dinner.
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
Cheeses and Dairy
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 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 water
- 16 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Cook 2 pounds lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any grease and add 1 cup diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Prepare 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. Mix until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of one 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the uncooked 16 ounces cavatappi pasta on top, then add the remaining half of the jar of pasta sauce. Pour half of the 24-ounce jar of water over the sauce, followed by half of the ground beef mixture.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Ingredients: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef. Add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta, then the remaining ground beef mixture. Pour the second 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce over the top, followed by the remaining half of the water. Do not stir the layers.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked to your preference.
- Finish with Mozzarella: Stir the pasta gently to combine all ingredients before topping evenly with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before cooking. Cover and refrigerate, but cook within 12 hours for best results. Check pasta doneness at 2 hours as it will absorb liquid while sitting.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until steaming hot.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked Million Dollar Pasta without adding the mozzarella cheese before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. After reheating, add mozzarella cheese, cover, and let melt for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
