Name: Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta served in a bowl topped with cheese and herbs

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why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the whole family together. It combines easy-to-make ingredients and layers of deliciousness that everyone will love. This recipe is great for busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it super convenient—you can prep it and let it cook while you take care of other things. The creamy and cheesy flavors make this pasta dish feel like a special treat, perfect for any night of the week.

how to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta

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

Start by placing the ground beef in a large skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix everything until it is smooth and well blended. Set this mixture aside.
Pour half a jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread it evenly to cover the base.
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.
Next, sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef over this layer. Spoon the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef.
Follow by layering the remaining pasta on top. Pour the second jar of marinara sauce over this pasta evenly.
Gently pour the remaining half jar of water over the top layer. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Finish by adding the rest of the ground beef on top.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check if the pasta is tender; if it is not, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
Carefully 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 this delicious pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The creamy and cheesy layers make it a filling dish, so small portions are great for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for added flavor and a touch of color.

how to store Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

tips to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta

For added flavor, consider browning the beef with diced onions or bell peppers.
You can use different types of pasta, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Make sure to mix the cream cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure an even spread of creaminess throughout the dish.

variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use plant-based cheese and sour cream for a vegan option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q2: How can I make this dish spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a kick.

Q3: Can I use cooked pasta?
You can, but cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker infuses it with the sauce’s flavor. If using cooked pasta, reduce the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.