If you’re looking for a quick, cheesy meal that’s both rich and dreamy, then crockpot million dollar pasta is the way to go. This dish is the perfect blend of flavorful layers, from tender pasta to a gooey, melty mozzarella cheese topping that makes every bite feel like a treat. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, no boiling required. Just follow the simple instructions for layering the ingredients in your slow cooker, and you’ll have a fully cooked meal ready to serve. With a recipe that combines beef, cream, and sauce, this dish can easily feed your family for days. It’s ideal for those busy days when you want to skip the babysitting of a traditional meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as leftover food or a special treat, this million dollar pasta is sure to impress.
Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta-The Short Answer
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish, crockpot million dollar pasta is a game-changer. With a slow cooker, you don’t have to worry about boiling, as you can just toss in the uncooked pasta and let the crockpot handle everything. In just a few hours, you’ll have a meal that’s rich, ultra-creamy, and cheesy, with a velvety base that feels like a million bucks with every bite. The best part? It’s a true family favorite, kid-approved, and picky-eater-friendly, making it perfect for everyone around the table. Whether you’re short on cook time or want a hearty dish that delivers big on payoff, this pasta is sure to be a winner every time. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort food.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pasta
To make this Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta, you’ll need a combination of creamy and flavorful ingredients that come together to create a rich, delicious dish. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
- 2 lb ground beef (or you can swap it with Italian sausage if you prefer for a different flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to add a smooth texture
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for that creamy richness
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, or you can use cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option
- 1 tsp minced garlic, to enhance the savory flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, adding that perfect Italian twist
Sauces and Pasta
Now, for the saucy part of the dish and the pasta that brings it all together:
- 2 jars (24 oz each) pasta sauce—this will form the base of your sauce and give the dish a perfect consistency
- 1 jar (24 oz) of water, which will help thin the sauce just enough
- 16 oz uncooked cavatappi pasta, but you can also use cellentini or macaroni as alternatives if you don’t have cavatappi on hand
The Finishing Touch
To make this dish extra cheesy and delicious, you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, this will melt beautifully and create that perfect cheesy topping
With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a hearty and satisfying meal that will impress anyone. Whether you’re serving a family or hosting a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit!
How to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta
Making Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a simple, hands-off recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a gourmet restaurant in no time. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Brown and Prepare the Ground Beef
Start by browning and crumbly your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be fully browned. Once cooked, drain the excess grease and set aside the beef. Make sure to season the beef with salt and pepper for added flavor before removing it from the heat.
Step 2: Make the Million Dollar Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This combination is what makes the dish so creamy and rich—this is the million dollar cheese mixture that you’ll love! Combine all these ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layering in the Slow Cooker
Now, grab your 6 quart (or larger) oval slow cooker and add half a jar of spaghetti sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker. Follow that by layering half a box of cavatappi pasta on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining jar of spaghetti sauce over the noodles, then add half a jar of water to keep the pasta moist during cooking.
Step 4: Adding the Beef and Cheese
Next, layer half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the pasta. Dollop the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer. Do not stir it in—let the cheese sit on top for an ultra-creamy finish. Then, evenly layer the rest of the uncooked pasta on top of the cheese mixture.
Step 5: Final Layers and Cooking
Top the pasta with the remaining ground beef mixture, then pour another half jar of water over the top of the beef. Add the rest of the spaghetti sauce on top, and cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 2-3 hours. After 2 hours, check to ensure the pasta is fully cooked. If it’s still not tender, let it cook for an additional hour.
Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touch
Once the pasta is fully cooked, stir the mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover again for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some dried parsley over the top for color (optional).
Serve your ultra cheesy, saucy pasta with a side of salad and garlic bread for a meal that feels like a million bucks!
Notes & Nutrition
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
When you’re planning ahead, preparing the Crockpot million dollar pasta the night before can save you time. To do this, simply assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot and cover it. Then, store it in the refrigerator overnight, but avoid letting it sit for longer than 12 hours to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much water. It’s always a good idea to test the doneness around the 2-hour mark while cooking. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the microwave for 30-second increments until fully heated through and steaming.
Freezing for Later
If you’re looking to store this dish for a longer period, freezing it is a great option. After cooking the Crockpot million dollar pasta, don’t add the mozzarella cheese before freezing. Instead, place the pasta in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the pasta overnight and warm it up in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it’s warm, turn off the heat and top with the fresh mozzarella. Cover it for 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted, and you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Breakdown
This delicious pasta dish is filling and full of flavor. A serving contains 979kcal, 74g of carbohydrates, and a generous 58g of protein, making it a well-rounded choice for a main course. The richness comes from fat, with 49g total fat and 16g of saturated fat. While this dish is a great source of potassium (1170mg) and calcium (308mg), which are crucial for maintaining strong muscles and bones, be mindful of the sodium content, which is relatively high at 1843mg.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, the pasta has 5g of fiber and 14g of sugar, making it a balanced dish for a hearty meal. As a reminder, nutritional disclaimer notes that values can vary depending on the brands used, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s important to adjust accordingly.
Variations You Can Try
As a food explorer, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and in hygienic way. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Pasta & Rice Hub. Some other recipes are giving below:
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe With a Twist You Must Try
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: The Cheesiest Bite You’ll Ever Try
The Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe Your Family Will Beg For!
Easy Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Summer
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes. I will recommend you that instead of this category you will visit my other categories such as Chef’s Specials , Spice & Seasonings, Brew Boosts, Sweet Cravings. These recipes will also boosts your taste.
FAQ
Do I need to boil the pasta first?
No, you don’t need to cook the pasta beforehand. Just add dry pasta to the crockpot and let it cook with the sauce.
What is the best sauce to use?
My favorite is Rao’s Roasted Garlic, but it can be a bit pricey. You can also use Walmart or Aldi brand marinara or spaghetti sauce. They all work great, and you’ll still enjoy the dish.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese as a budget-friendly substitute for ricotta cheese. The taste is nearly the same, and there’s no real difference in this recipe.
Do I have to use ground beef?
Not at all! You can skip the ground beef if you don’t want a meaty dish. You can even switch it out for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or any other protein you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers from crockpot million dollar pasta are fantastic! Simply store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the microwave.
