Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta

If you’ve got a household of pizza and pasta lovers, this slow-cooker pizza pasta recipe is the perfect mashup of everyone’s favorite foods. This easy, kid-friendly dinner is loaded with tender egg noodles, hearty meat sauce, zippy pepperoni and, of course, plenty of ooey-gooey cheese. Simply boil a package of noodles and brown the ground meat and veggies on the stovetop. Then, layer everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for the few hours leading up to dinnertime.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta

• Noodles: Tender egg noodles hold up beautifully in the slow cooker without getting mushy. You can use another pasta shape, like rotini or penne, but be sure to slightly undercook them so they finish cooking in the slow cooker.
• Ground meat: Use ground beef for rich, meaty flavor, or opt for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option. You could also use bulk Italian sausage for added savoriness.
• Veggies: Saute chopped green bell pepper and onion with the meat for added texture and aromatics. This recipe also calls for jarred mushrooms, but you can use fresh sliced mushrooms for a meatier texture and fresher flavor.
• Spaghetti sauce: Classic red sauce adds tanginess and keeps the meat and pasta tender. Use homemade spaghetti sauce to control the seasoning or your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds depth and a fragrant aroma.
• Pepperoni: Zesty pepperoni brings a salty, slightly spicy kick and fun pizza-inspired flavor to the dish. Cut each slice in half for even layering and easier mouthfuls.
• Shredded cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella creates plenty of ooey-gooey meltiness throughout the dish with both sharp and mild flavors. Feel free to use other melting cheeses, like provolone or Monterey Jack.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the noodles and brown the beef

Cook the noodles according to package directions, then strain them and set them aside. While the pasta cooks, cook the ground beef, bell pepper and onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook the mixture until the meat’s no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.

Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce, mushrooms and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Layer ingredients in the slow cooker

Combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a mixing bowl and set them aside. Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a third of the meat sauce on the bottom, followed by a third of the cooked noodles, a third of the pepperoni and a third of the cheese.

Repeat these layers twice, pressing down gently to compact the dish.

Step 3: Slow-cook and serve

Cover and slow-cook the pizza pasta on low for two to three hours, until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta Variations

• Go meat-free: Skip the ground meat and saute extra vegetables like carrots, broccoli, zucchini, eggplant or spinach along with the bell pepper and onion to make it a vegetarian pizza pasta.
• Turn up the heat: Use spicy pepperoni or swap hot Italian sausage for the ground beef. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Add toppings: Set out bowls of grated Parmesan, sliced black olives, pesto, fresh basil or any other favorite pizza toppings so each guest can customize their plate.
• Make it cheesier: Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese in each layer. It’ll melt into the sauce and noodles for a richer, creamier texture.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta

Let the pizza pasta cool slightly, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days.

Can you freeze slow-cooker pizza pasta?

Yes, you can freeze leftover slow-cooker pizza pasta for longer storage. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

How do you reheat slow-cooker pizza pasta?

To reheat slow-cooker pizza pasta, warm individual servings in the microwave. To heat a larger batch, place the pizza pasta in a covered skillet and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta Tips

Do you have to cook pasta before adding it to a slow cooker?

Yes, you should cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker for this pizza pasta recipe. This recipe doesn’t contain enough liquid to fully cook the noodles in the slow cooker. Boiling the pasta beforehand helps prevent under- or overcooked noodles and ensures an even texture.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, you can! This recipe calls for wide egg noodles, but you can substitute them with any short pasta shape you have on hand. Rotini, penne, shells or rigatoni all work well. Just be sure to slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy in the slow cooker.

What can you serve with slow-cooker pizza pasta?

Slow-cooker pizza pasta pairs perfectly with a simple green salad and a basket of warm garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a tasty and healthy side. For a fun, customizable meal, set out extra toppings—think fresh basil, grated Parmesan and sliced olives—so everyone can build their perfect plate.