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Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta
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Make this easy Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta with ground beef, three cheeses, and creamy sauce. Perfect comfort food that cooks itself!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has developed a lovely golden-brown color, about 6-8 minutes. The browning step is crucial – it creates those delicious caramelized bits that add incredible depth to the final dish.
  • Step 2: Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot and add the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more broth to ensure proper pasta cooking.
  • Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring once halfway through if possible. Check the pasta around the 3-hour mark to prevent overcooking. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, and the sauce should have thickened slightly. When stirring, use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the pasta. You’ll notice the amazing aroma filling your kitchen around the 2-hour mark.
  • Step 4: In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and half of each cheese (1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan). Adding the cream gradually and keeping the temperature low prevents the dairy from separating and curdling, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
  • Step 5: Add the remaining cheese (1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan) in the last 10 minutes, stirring gently until melted and incorporated. The pasta should be creamy and coated in a rich, cheese-laden sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Step 6: Turn off the crockpot and let the pasta rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and makes serving much easier.
  • Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The bright green color and fresh flavor provide the perfect finishing touch to this indulgent comfort food masterpiece.

Find it online: https://www.kitchenmomy.com/crockpot-million-dollar-pasta/