Description
This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and decadent dish that’s perfect for a crowd. With layers of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, rich cheeses, and a tangy tomato sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce, divided
- 1 (24 oz) jar filled with water
- 1 (16 oz) box Penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Season ground beef with salt and pepper and brown in a skillet. Drain grease and set aside.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: In a slow cooker, spread half a jar of marinara sauce. Top with half the pasta, then another half jar of marinara. Pour in half the jar of water. Sprinkle with half the ground beef, then spread with the cream cheese mixture. Layer the remaining pasta, the second jar of marinara, the remaining water, and the remaining ground beef.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2.5 hours. Check if pasta is cooked through, and cook for another 30 minutes if needed.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth to reach desired consistency.
- This recipe can be easily halved for a smaller crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
