Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta

There’s something truly special about cozy nights spent in the kitchen, and one recipe that always brings a smile is Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the aroma of pasta simmering in the slow cooker fills your home with warmth and comfort. This dish has become a staple in my household, especially during the winter months when all I want is something hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to prepare a meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love about Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta is its simplicity and the way it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game night with friends, this dish is always a hit. I often prepare it in advance, knowing that just a few hours later, we’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. The combination of flavors from the parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce creates a comforting, cheesy delight that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make.

As the days grow colder, I find myself reaching for this recipe more often. There’s just something about the creamy sauce and tender pasta that warms you right up. I remember the first time I made it; I was skeptical about cooking the ground beef without browning it first, but the slow cooker worked its magic, and the flavors melded perfectly. Now, I can’t imagine a winter without it! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this delightful dish.

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a rich, satisfying dish. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy mozzarella cheese, these components work beautifully together to deliver a flavor-packed meal.

• 1 lb lean ground beef, uncooked: The base of our dish, providing protein and a hearty texture.
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza flavor and a little kick to the pasta.
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Enhances the flavor with a subtle onion taste.
• 1 tbsp garlic bread seasoning: Brings a delightful garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 4 cups marinara/pasta sauce: The sauce that ties everything together, adding moisture and richness.
• 3 cups water: Helps to cook the pasta and keep the dish saucy.
• 1 (8-oz) package shredded mozzarella, divided: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 (16-oz) box uncooked rotini or other short cut pasta: The pasta itself, which absorbs the sauce and flavors while cooking.
• 1 gallon size ziplock freezer bag: Essential for storing the meal for later use.
• 1 sandwich size freezer bag: For keeping the remaining cheeses separate until cooking.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta

Making Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta is a breeze! With just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve. Let’s dive into the preparation process together. It’s all about layering the flavors and allowing the slow cooker to do its magic.

1. Begin by gathering your ground beef, pepperoni, onion flakes, garlic bread seasoning, marinara sauce, and water. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients with half of the mozzarella cheese. This combination is where the magic starts!
2. Next, take a gallon size ziplock freezer bag and carefully pour your mixture into it. Make sure you get all the goodness in there! Seal the bag tightly, removing any excess air, and place it in the freezer for later use.
3. Now, grab a smaller sandwich size freezer bag and add the remaining mozzarella cheese along with the parmesan cheese. This will keep them fresh until you’re ready to cook.
4. When you’re ready to enjoy this meal, take out the sandwich bag of cheese and place it in the refrigerator to thaw while you prepare the main dish.
5. Remove the gallon size freezer bag from the freezer and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to defrost slightly. This helps to make the next steps easier.
6. Now, pour the contents of the freezer bag into your slow cooker. Set it on LOW and let it cook for 6 hours. As it cooks, the ground beef will break down and blend beautifully with the sauce.
7. After cooking for 6 hours, grab a spatula and break up the ground beef to ensure an even texture throughout the dish. This step really helps to incorporate all the flavors.
8. It’s time to add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir it in well, ensuring that the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
9. Finally, once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into the dish.
10. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family and friends!

Helpful Notes about Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta

This dish is not only hearty and delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some helpful notes to ensure your cooking experience is as enjoyable as possible.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve this pasta with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Adding vegetables can boost the nutritional value.
• Serving Size: Each serving is quite filling, so you may find that leftovers can stretch the meal even further!
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep as you can prepare it in advance and heat it when you need a quick meal.

Serve This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta With

Enjoying Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta is all about creating the perfect meal experience. Here are some great ideas for serving this delightful dish:

• Side Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serving garlic bread on the side enhances the pizza flavor and is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, movie nights, or even a cozy dinner date at home.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the winter months, serve it with roasted vegetables to add a nutritious side dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta is a comforting and heartwarming dish that brings all the flavors of pizza into a delicious pasta form. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a make-ahead meal for busy nights. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine. The ease of preparation combined with the delightful taste makes it a must-try!

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta

The ultimate comfort food for chilly nights! Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Pizza Pasta combines your favorite pizza toppings and pasta into one creamy, cheesy dish. It’s the easiest weeknight dinner to satisfy your cravings, and the leftovers are just as good!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef uncooked
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion flakes
• 1 tbsp Garlic Bread Seasoning
• 4 cups marinara/pasta sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 8-oz shredded mozzarella divided
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 16-oz uncooked rotini or other short cut pasta
• 1 gallon size ziplock freezer bag
• 1 sandwich size freezer bag

Equipment

• 6-qt Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Place ground beef, pepperoni, onions, garlic bread seasoning, pasta sauce, water, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a gallon size ziplock freezer bag. Place remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese in sandwich size freezer bag. Freeze.
2. When ready to cook: Remove the sandwich bag of mozzarella and parmesan cheese from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.
3. Place contents of gallon sized freezer bag into slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Break up meat with spatula.
4. Add uncooked pasta. Cook for 15-20 minutes longer, until pasta is cooked. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover and let cheese melt, 5 minutes.

Notes

• Tip 1: Do NOT cook the ground beef before adding it to the freezer bag. You just put it in the freezer bag raw, and it will cook in the slow cooker with everything else.
• Tip 2: I used Johnny’s Garlic Bread Seasoning. Any garlic and herb seasoning mix will work fine.
• Tip 3: Add the pasta to the slow cooker uncooked. It will cook in the slow cooker in about 15 or 20 minutes.
• Tip 4: There is no need to thaw the contents of the freezer bag before adding it to the slow cooker.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.