This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish that lives up to its name! With layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich cheeses, and a tangy tomato sauce, this recipe is a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. And the best part? It all cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s truly worth a million bucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Indulgent: The combination of ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tangy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy and Convenient: Simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work! This recipe is perfect for those days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion.
Versatile: You can customize this recipe with your favorite additions, such as different types of pasta, vegetables, or cheeses.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta:

Lean ground beef: Provides a savory base for the dish.
Cream cheese: Softened, it adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
Sour cream: Adds another layer of creaminess and tang.
Ricotta cheese: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slightly sweet flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
Water: Used to thin out the sauce and help the pasta cook evenly.
Penne pasta: This shape holds the sauce well and adds visual appeal.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a final layer of cheesy goodness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Pour half a jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle half of the uncooked Penne pasta over the sauce.
Pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce over the pasta.
Fill the empty marinara jar with water and pour half of it over the contents of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle half of the browned ground beef over the sauce.
Spoon the entire cream cheese mixture over the ground beef, spreading it in an even layer.
Layer the remaining pasta over the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the pasta.
Gently pour the remaining water over the sauce.
Finish with a layer of the remaining ground beef.

Step 4: Cook and Serve

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2.5 hours.
Check if the pasta is fully cooked. If not, cook for another 30 minutes, or until tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Scoop the pasta into bowls, making sure to get all the layers in each serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: This will help the cream cheese mixture blend smoothly.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy. Check the pasta for doneness after 2.5 hours and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Add some vegetables: For a more balanced meal, you can add chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach, to the slow cooker along with the ground beef.

How to Serve

On its own: This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
With garlic bread: Serve it with garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
With a side salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the slow cooker on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or even lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces).

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and substitute it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in the slow cooker ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, simply cook it on low for the recommended time.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Enjoy this incredibly delicious and easy Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta!

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta Recipe