Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish cooked in the slow cooker that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just layer ingredients and let the crock pot do the work for a meal that tastes like a five-star dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box box of pasta (penne or rigatoni) Any shape of pasta can be used.
- 1 jar jar of marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, sausage, or turkey) Brown the meat before layering.
- 8 ounces cream cheese Cut into chunks.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese Dollop throughout the layers.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Top layer.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese For a salty kick.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning For flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the ingredients in the crock pot: Start with the browned meat, then add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chunks of cream cheese.
- Next, dollop ricotta cheese, and repeat layering until all ingredients are used up.
- Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 hours or high for 2 hours, checking for doneness.
- Taste test the pasta to ensure it's tender but not mushy before serving.
Notes
For best results, avoid adding extra liquid, layer ingredients properly, and make adjustments based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Can be customized with spinach, chicken, Alfredo sauce, or other ingredients.