Here is a simple and creamy slow cooker pasta your family will love.
introduction
This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta makes a rich and cheesy meal with little work. It cooks in one pot and fills the house with a good smell. If you like easy slow cooker dinners, try this easy slow cooker beef potato cabbage dinner for another simple meal idea.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a filling, creamy dinner with little hands-on time. It uses common ingredients and cooks slowly so flavors blend well. It is great for busy nights and for feeding a crowd. For more slow cooker comfort food ideas, see this Italian pot roast slow cooker recipe.
how to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Follow the steps below. Read all steps first so you know how layers go in the slow cooker. You can also serve a sweet treat after dinner like these slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans.
Ingredients :
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce, divided
- 1 (24 oz) jar filled with water
- 1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions :
- Place ground beef in a large skillet and season with salt and pepper. Crumble and cook over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside.
- Pour half a jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle half of the uncooked bowtie pasta evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce on top of the pasta.
- Fill the empty sauce jar with water and pour half of this water evenly over the pasta and sauce layer.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the layer, then spoon the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Layer the remaining pasta on top, then pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the pasta evenly.
- Gently pour the remaining half jar of water over the top layer to ensure pasta cooks evenly. Finish with the remaining ground beef on the top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check if pasta is tender; if not, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook on low for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
- Scoop portions from the slow cooker making sure to include all layers for a balanced serving. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta.
how to serve Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Serve it hot right from the slow cooker. Scoop a bit of each layer so each plate has pasta, beef, and creamy cheese. Add a simple side salad or garlic bread. Sprinkle extra parmesan or fresh basil if you like.
how to store Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered pan on low heat until warm. You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
- Use lean beef and drain well to avoid a greasy dish.
- Keep the pasta uncooked; it will cook in the sauce and water.
- If the pasta is still firm near the end, add 1/4 cup water and cook 10–15 minutes more.
- Stir gently only when serving to keep the layers intact.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms in one layer for extra veggies.
- Use different pasta shapes, but cook time may change slightly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: No. Cook and drain frozen beef first, then use it in the recipe.
Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: You can, but cook time changes. Try 1 hour and 30 minutes on high and check pasta, but low gives the best texture.
Q: Do I need to stir while cooking?
A: No. The recipe layers cook well without stirring. Stir only when serving.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace beef with cooked lentils or a meat-free crumbled product and follow the same steps.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is easy, creamy, and fits busy nights. For a similar slow cooker take on this dish, see Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta – The Country Cook for more ideas.
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place ground beef in a large skillet, season with salt and pepper, crumble, and cook over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside.
- Pour half a jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the uncooked bowtie pasta over the sauce, then pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce on top.
- Fill the empty sauce jar with water and pour half over the pasta and sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef over the layer, then spoon the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef.
- Layer the remaining pasta on top, then pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the pasta.
- Gently pour the remaining half jar of water over the top layer and finish with the remaining ground beef.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check if pasta is tender; if not, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and cover again, cooking on low for 20 minutes more until the cheese melts.
- Scoop portions from the slow cooker making sure to include all layers for a balanced serving. Serve warm.