Slow cooker million dollar pasta recipe

This slow cooker million dollar pasta is rich, cozy, and unapologetically indulgent. Savory beef and tomato sauce soak into the noodles, while the creamy cheese layer melts into a velvety, slightly tangy finish. Every bite tastes like baked ziti crossed with lasagna, but softer, saucier, and deeply comforting. Ingredients 2 pounds 85/15 lean ground beef 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon freshly […] The post Slow cooker million dollar pasta recipe appeared first on The Ghana Report.

  General   Feb 5, 2026   0   18  Add to Reading List
Slow cooker million dollar pasta recipe

This slow cooker million dollar pasta is rich, cozy, and unapologetically indulgent. Savory beef and tomato sauce soak into the noodles, while the creamy cheese layer melts into a velvety, slightly tangy finish.

Every bite tastes like baked ziti crossed with lasagna, but softer, saucier, and deeply comforting.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 85/15 lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 (24 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
  • 1 pound uncooked cavatappi pasta
  • 1 cup tap water
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 ounce part-skim low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef; cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper, onion powder, and 3 teaspoons of the salt until well combined. Remove from heat.

    Ground meat with seasonings in a pan
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

  2. Add beef mixture, spaghetti sauce, pasta, and water to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir until well combined and pasta is fully covered in liquid. Cover and cook on Low until most of the pasta is al dente, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

    Slow cooker containing pasta in a red sauce with ground meat being stirred with a spoon
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

  3. Meanwhile, stir together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until mixture is smooth.

    A hand mixing a creamy mixture with a red spatula in a glass bowl
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

  4. Dollop and spread cheese mixture evenly over pasta mixture. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

    Slow cooker with pasta and cheese on top
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

  5. Cover and continue to cook on Low until pasta is tender and cheese is melted, about 25 minutes more.

    Slowcooked pasta topped with melted cheese in a slow cooker
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

  6. Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper, if desired.

    Slow cooker filled with cooked pasta topped with melted cheese and red pepper flakes
    Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

623 Calories
31g Fat
36g Carbs
47g Protein

The post Slow cooker million dollar pasta recipe appeared first on The Ghana Report.

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