Introduction

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. Layers of ground beef, bowtie pasta, rich cheese mixture, and marinara sauce slowly cook together to create a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white bowl. The bottom layer is made of cooked pasta in an orange color with a slightly saucy texture. Above this is a thick layer of rich, brown ground meat sauce spread evenly. On top, there is a layer of melted white cheese with a bubbly, golden-brown finish, covering the whole surface. The edges of the cheese are slightly browned and crispy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce, divided
1 (24 oz) jar filled with water
1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Place the ground beef in a large skillet. Season with salt and pepper, crumble it, and cook over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Pour half a jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the uncooked bowtie pasta evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce on top of the pasta layer.
Step 5: Fill the empty sauce jar with water and pour half of this water evenly over the pasta and sauce layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the layer, then spoon the entire cheese mixture evenly over the beef.
Step 7: Add the remaining pasta on top, then pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the pasta evenly.
Step 8: Gently pour the remaining half jar of water over the top layer, then finish with the remaining ground beef.
Step 9: Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check if the pasta is tender; if not, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 10: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
Step 11: Scoop portions carefully to include all layers. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Make sure cream cheese is softened for easy blending with the other cheeses.
Do not precook the pasta; it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker with the added water and sauce.
If the pasta isn’t tender after cooking, add a little more water and continue cooking.
For a quicker meal, check the pasta at 2 hours, but the full cook time gives the best texture.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting dinner.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white bowl. The bottom layer is a rich, dark red meat sauce, topped with a layer of golden, crispy baked pasta pieces, and the top layer is thick, melted white cheese with some light brown spots where it has browned in the oven. The texture is gooey and smooth on top, with a crunchy, crumbly look around the edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is uncooked and the shape holds up well during slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

While designed for slow cooking, you can bake it covered at 350°F for about 1 hour, checking pasta tenderness and adding water as needed. Slow cooking provides the best flavor and texture.