Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta is the cozy comfort meal you need for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I know the best way to get melty cheese and bubbly sauce. Crispy edges and creamy sauce make this recipe a family favorite. Check out my Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas for a tasty side. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas and Crummy Indian Onion Bhaji.
Why This Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta Is Pure Comfort
- cozy meal
- cheesy satisfaction
- weeknight magic
- no-dish cleanup
What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 12 oz cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- dried oregano
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
- Optional: fresh basil
- Optional: pepperoni
- Optional: bell peppers
- Optional: olives
📝 Ingredient Notes
- ground beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- marinara sauce: Use a store-bought jar for convenience.
- mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works best for a creamy texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Ensures even heat distribution for perfect cooking. → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Checks if the meat is fully cooked without overcooking. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
- 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- 2: Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Stir in marinara sauce, pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3: Add the cooked pasta and mozzarella. Stir to combine.
- 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 5: Top with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
- Best technique: Cook the pasta separately to avoid it becoming too soft in the slow cooker.
- Common mistake and fix: If the sauce is too thin, thicken it by simmering on the stovetop before adding to the crockpot.
- Time-saving hack: Use pre-cooked pasta and pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Flavor enhancer: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Add a layer of cheese on top for a gooey finish.
- Best substitution: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a different protein.
- Make-ahead: Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too dry, add a small amount of water or broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
Silicon spatula — Easily stirs ingredients without scratching the crockpot. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 12 oz cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- dried oregano
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Optional Toppings
- fresh basil
- pepperoni
- bell peppers
- olives
Instructions
- 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- 2: Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Stir in marinara sauce, pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3: Add the cooked pasta and mozzarella. Stir to combine.
- 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 5: Top with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: Add a layer of cheese on top for a gooey finish.
- Best substitution: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a different protein.
- Make-ahead: Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too dry, add a small amount of water or broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until heated through.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to adjust the consistency before cooking.
Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Shredded chicken or turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
Top with extra cheese before serving and broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy finish.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
