Dinner

Pizza Pasta Recipe

ByLily Cross February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

Pizza Pasta is the perfect comfort food mashup, combining the hearty flavors of a classic pizza with tender, saucy pasta. This easy crockpot recipe brings together ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with rich pasta layers, starting with large curved macaroni noodles coated in a creamy, light orange sauce. On top, there are melted white cheese patches stretching and blending into a golden slightly browned layer, sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. Slices of bright red pepperoni are spread evenly on the cheese, adding a glossy, oily texture. The whole dish has a warm, inviting look with the sauce and cheese bubbling together, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 slices turkey pepperoni
Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the cooked beef, marinara sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir to coat it with the sauce mixture. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking and check the pasta for doneness to ensure it’s tender.
Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Add the remaining pepperoni slices, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add sliced black olives or mushrooms before the slow cooking process.
Use whole wheat rotini or gluten-free pasta for different dietary needs.
Swap turkey pepperoni for regular pepperoni, sausage, or omit for a vegetarian option with extra vegetables.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with baked pasta layered with smooth orange cheese sauce at the bottom, topped with melted white mozzarella cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned. On top of the cheese, there are round, vibrant red slices of pepperoni evenly spread across the dish. The pasta pieces are tubular and coated in sauce, mixed throughout the bowl. The entire dish looks warm and gooey, with a glossy, cheesy texture. The background is 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, short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bow ties work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef adds flavor and reduces excess fat, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain any fat after cooking.