Introduction

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish packed with cheese, ground beef, and pasta. This easy recipe layers flavors and textures for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days or casual dinners.

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion)
Salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)
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
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

Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any grease, then add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of one jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 4: Layer half of the uncooked cavatappi pasta on top of the sauce, then spread the remaining half of the jar of sauce over the pasta.
Step 5: Pour half of the jar of water over the pasta sauce, then add half of the browned ground beef mixture.
Step 6: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the ground beef.
Step 7: Add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture.
Step 8: Pour the second jar of pasta sauce evenly over the beef, then pour the remaining half of the water on top. Do not stir.
Step 9: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Step 10: Stir the pasta gently, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the pasta sauce before layering.
Swap cavatappi with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer.
Use part-skim cheeses to reduce the fat content without losing creaminess.
If your slow cooker runs hot, check pasta doneness at 2 hours to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble all the layers in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Cook it the next day as directed, adding extra cooking time if still cold.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This pasta freezes well. Portion leftover servings into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a comforting, hearty pasta dish made easy with ground beef, a creamy cheese blend, pasta sauce, and cavatappi pasta, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. This recipe layers flavors and ingredients for a luscious, cheesy meal that requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum flavor.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion)
Salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)

Cream 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

Sauce 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 cheese

Instructions

Brown 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 the onion for 1-2 minutes, then season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat.
Prepare the cream 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 thoroughly until smooth.
Layer the slow cooker: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of one jar (24 ounces) of pasta sauce into the bottom. Layer half of the uncooked 16 ounces cavatappi pasta on top of the sauce, then add the remaining half of the jar of pasta sauce. Pour half of the water jar (12 ounces) over the pasta sauce, then add half of the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture.
Continue layering: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef. Then add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta followed by the remaining half of the ground beef mixture. Pour on the second jar (24 ounces) of pasta sauce on top, then add the remaining half of the water jar. Do not stir the layers.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW setting of the slow cooker for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
Melt the cheese: Stir the pasta gently to combine all layers. Sprinkle evenly with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

Use a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker for best results.
Do not overcook the pasta; check after 2 hours and adjust time as necessary.
For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and lean ground beef.
You can substitute cavatappi with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.

Keywords: Crockpot pasta, Million Dollar Pasta, slow cooker pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner