Dinner

Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

Crockpot Pizza Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy days, this recipe uses a slow cooker to meld savory beef, melted cheese, and classic Italian seasonings into a flavorful meal.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with slices of pepperoni. The pasta is a soft yellow color, coated in a smooth, melted cheese sauce. The pepperoni slices are a deep reddish-brown, scattered evenly on top and slightly browned from cooking. The cheese is bubbly and golden, with some browned spots where it has melted more. The bowl itself is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 slices turkey pepperoni
Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir until it is fully coated with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the pasta halfway through cooking and check for doneness.
Step 5: When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices, cover, and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add the optional sliced black olives or mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onion in the crockpot.
Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of ground beef for a leaner protein option.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño during step 2.
To avoid overcooked pasta, check it earlier during cooking and adjust time as needed based on your crockpot’s heat.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. This dish is best enjoyed within a few days for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta showing two main layers: the bottom layer has curved pasta shells coated in a smooth, orange cheese sauce with a glossy texture, and the top layer is covered with melted white cheese that bubbles slightly, mixed with browned, round pepperoni slices scattered evenly on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, shining under warm light, making the cheese look stretchy and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or ziti. Avoid long pasta as it may not cook evenly in the crockpot.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef adds extra flavor and helps reduce excess fat, but you can add raw ground beef directly to the crockpot if you’re short on time. Just be sure to cook long enough for it to be fully done.