Crockpot Pizza Pasta (Printable version)

Hearty slow cooker pasta combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella for classic pizza flavors in a comforting dish.

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
02 - 20 slices pepperoni

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pantry

06 - 12 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
07 - 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Dairy

09 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
03 - Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
04 - Add the cooked meat and vegetables to the crockpot. Stir in uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
05 - Top with half the shredded mozzarella, then arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese.
06 - Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until pasta is tender. Check at 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
07 - In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Re-cover and let the cheese melt.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Set it and forget it freedom that gives you back your evening
  • All the comfort of pizza night without delivery fees or waiting
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day, if there are any
02 -
  • Overcooked pasta is the enemy here, so check at 3 hours even if you want to walk away
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so don't panic if it looks a little saucy
03 -
  • Use a slow cooker liner for cleanup that takes literally seconds
  • Spritz the top with a little water before the final cheese melts if it looks dry

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