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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 119 reviews

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a hearty, creamy, and cheesy layered pasta dish perfect for an effortless and comforting meal. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, a rich cream cheese mixture, tender bowtie pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s slow-cooked to perfection, making it an ideal hands-off dinner for busy days.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef

Dairy

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pantry

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce, divided
  • 1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 (24 oz) jar water (used for layering)

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet and season with salt and pepper. Crumble the meat and cook over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
  2. Prepare the cream mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Layer the sauce: Pour half of one jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  4. Add pasta and sauce layers: Sprinkle half of the uncooked bowtie pasta evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce over the pasta layer.
  5. Add water layer: Fill the empty marinara jar with water and pour half of it into the slow cooker over the pasta and sauce.
  6. Layer ground beef and cream mixture: Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the contents in the slow cooker. Then spoon the entire cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the beef.
  7. Repeat layers: Add the remaining uncooked pasta layer on top of the cream mixture, then pour the second full jar of marinara sauce over the pasta. Gently pour the remaining half jar of water over the top, and finish with the remaining ground beef.
  8. Cook the pasta: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is tender. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
  9. Add cheese topping: Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook until the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
  10. Serve: Using a large spoon, scoop generous portions ensuring to include all the layers. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta.

Notes

  • You can use any marinara sauce brand you prefer, but a rich tomato flavor works best.
  • Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for easier mixing.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Check the pasta after 2.5 hours to avoid overcooking since slow cookers can vary.
  • This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
  • Add extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil for more flavor if desired.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/creamy-ground-beef-pasta-recipe/