Description
Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta is a cheesy and hearty dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups water
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the cream cheese to the crockpot and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta and water. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg