This indulgent million dollar pasta is a rich and creamy slow-cooked dish combining marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm plate of pasta, especially when it’s made with love and a touch of magic! Our Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a dish that elevates the classic pasta experience to a whole new level. The melding of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates an indulgent dining experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare—just mix everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The end result is a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
The key ingredients are ready for a delicious pasta night.
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
- In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with marinara sauce, uncooked penne pasta, water, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavorful sauce.
- In the last half hour of cooking, dollop the ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that decadent finish.
- Once the cheese has melted, gently stir everything together before serving. Enjoy your indulgent million dollar pasta!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter option. Additionally, feel free to use whole grain pasta for a healthier choice.
- Optional variations: Add your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, into the slow cooker for extra nutrition and color. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
- Storage or reheating tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4-5 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
This indulgent million dollar pasta is a rich and creamy slow-cooked dish combining marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
- In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture with marinara sauce, uncooked penne pasta, water, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavorful sauce.
- In the last half hour of cooking, dollop the ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that decadent finish.
- Once the cheese has melted, gently stir everything together before serving.
Notes
Ingredient substitutions: You can swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter option. Additionally, feel free to use whole grain pasta for a healthier choice. Optional variations: Add your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, into the slow cooker for extra nutrition and color. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. Storage or reheating tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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