Introduction

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground beef, a rich cheese mixture, and tender pasta, it all cooks slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors. It’s simple to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.

A black round baking dish filled with baked pasta, showing multiple layers starting with cooked farfalle pasta at the bottom, mixed with a thick, rich meat sauce in a deep brownish-red color. Above that is another thick layer of pasta and meat sauce, topped with a layer of melted golden and white cheese, slightly browned and bubbly, garnished with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The dish has a scoop taken out, revealing the soft, saucy layers inside. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture and a stack of white plates is seen in the background. 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
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 any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well incorporated, then 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.
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 cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer.
Step 7: Layer 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 to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Finish with the remaining ground beef on top.
Step 9: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check if the pasta is tender; if not, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 10: Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook on low for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
Step 11: Scoop portions from the slow cooker, making sure to include all layers for a balanced serving. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Pasta.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a mild kick.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different taste.
Use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish before serving to add brightness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water slightly.
Consider adding chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce if the pasta seems dry. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and pasta texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with layers of farfalle pasta in a light yellow color, mixed with a creamy sauce that has a rich orange tint. The sauce is thick and smooth with bits of browned ground meat throughout. On top, there is melted cheese that stretches in strings as a fork lifts a bite from the bowl. The cheese is golden and slightly browned in some spots, adding texture and richness to the dish. The background shows a blurred beige kitchen appliance and the surface is a white marbled texture. 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, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the uncooked pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker with the sauce and water, absorbing all the flavors as it softens.