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Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta

A delightful blend of your favorite pizza toppings and pasta, Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta offers a cozy and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound rigatoni Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Alternatives: turkey or chicken.
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 3.5 ounces pepperoni
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Cheese
  • 3 14-ounce jars pizza sauce
  • 16 ounces shredded mozzarella Can mix different types of cheese for variation.
Garnishes
  • Chopped parsley (optional) For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are softened.
Cooking
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the pepperoni and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  2. Drain excess grease, transfer the mixture to a bowl, and stir in the pizza sauce.
  3. Add the cooked rigatoni to the mixture and stir until well combined.
  4. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the slow cooker, then half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and cheese.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Serving
  1. Serve topped with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. For storage, keep in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.