Dinner

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta Recipe

Byreem everly February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for busy days. With layers of flavorful beef, rich cheese, and tender pasta cooked slowly to perfection, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings.

A close-up image of a round white casserole dish filled with baked pasta, showing three distinct layers: at the bottom, a thick, rich red tomato sauce with ground meat; in the middle, a layer of bowtie pasta mixed gently with the sauce; and on top, a thick layer of melted, slightly golden cheese sprinkled with green herbs. A woman's hand holds a serving spoon that has scooped a portion out, revealing the cross-section of the layers inside. The dish is placed 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 and season with salt and pepper. Crumble and cook over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Set this cheese mixture aside.
Step 3: Pour half a jar of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the uncooked bowtie pasta evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining half jar of marinara sauce on top of the pasta.
Step 5: Fill the empty marinara 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 over the layer, then spread the entire cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the beef.
Step 7: Add the remaining uncooked pasta as the next layer, then pour the second jar of marinara sauce evenly over the pasta.
Step 8: Pour the remaining half jar of water over the top layer gently to ensure even cooking. Finish by sprinkling the remaining ground beef on top.
Step 9: Cover the slow cooker 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 the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 11: Serve warm, scooping portions to include all the layered flavors for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free pasta if preferred; just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Add fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the pasta from drying out, add a splash of water or marinara sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a baked pasta dish in a round white pan, showing three visible layers. The top layer is melted, slightly golden cheese with small brown spots and bits of parsley sprinkled on top. Beneath the cheese is a thick layer of ground meat sauce, rich red and brown in color with a chunky texture. The bottom layer consists of bowtie-shaped pasta, cooked and covered in the sauce, with some pasta visible around the edges where a portion has been removed, revealing a gooey blend of cheese and sauce. 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 use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini, but cook times may vary slightly due to pasta thickness and shape.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks in the slow cooker with the sauce and water, absorbing flavors while becoming tender during the slow cooking process.

reem everly