Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is the kind of rich, comforting meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is incredibly easy to make at home. This dish combines tender pasta, savory seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and a rich tomato-based sauce that slowly melts together into a thick, irresistible casserole-style pasta. Everything cooks gently in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to deepen and the cheese to become perfectly gooey without drying out. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that works just as well for family dinners as it does for potlucks, game days, or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) or penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to evenly coat the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. This layer is what gives Million Dollar Pasta its signature rich, velvety texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the cooked pasta. Add half of the beef mixture, then gently spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with a portion of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is heated through. Avoid stirring too much to keep the layers intact and creamy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Turn off the slow cooker and let the pasta rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef
• Add cooked bacon for extra richness
• Mix in spinach or mushrooms for added texture
• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Add roasted vegetables on the side
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3½ hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approx. 520 calories – 28g protein – 32g fat – 34g carbs

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying with minimal effort. The slow cooker brings everything together into a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes even better the next day.