Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta combines the ease of slow cooking with rich, creamy layers of pasta, beef, and cheese. Busy weeknights? No problem. This slow cooker gem keeps dinner simple without sacrificing flavor. You’ll get perfectly tender cavatappi pasta wrapped in a homemade-style spaghetti sauce and gooey melted mozzarella—all without standing over the stove.

Trust me, if you’ve got a slow cooker and a craving for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a “set it and forget it” dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s break it down!

Why This Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you focus on other things.
Time-saving: Traditional baked pasta dishes require constant attention. This recipe? It practically makes itself in just 3 hours.
Layered creaminess: The ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese combo creates an indulgent, velvety texture that’s irresistible.
Perfect for meal prepping: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week. It reheats like a dream.
Minimal prep: Brown the ground beef and mix a few ingredients—then let your slow cooker handle the rest. Easy!

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta

Your slow cooker is the star of this show. I recommend a 6-quart or larger oval slow cooker for the perfect fit. If your model runs hot, keep an eye on the cook time and adjust as needed. Bonus tip: use a slow cooker liner for hassle-free cleanup!

Don’t have a slow cooker? You can bake this in a large casserole dish at 375°F for about 45 minutes—just layer it the same way and cover with foil before baking.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta

Here are the key players that bring this dish to life:

Ground beef: The hearty base of the recipe. You can substitute with ground Italian sausage for more flavor.
Cavatappi pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds the sauces and cheese perfectly. Any similar-sized pasta will work if you can’t find cavatappi.
Ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream: The ultimate trio for that creamy, “million-dollar” texture. Don’t skip these!
Spaghetti sauce: Jarred marinara keeps things quick, but feel free to upgrade to a homemade spaghetti sauce if you prefer.

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Recipe Details

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

2 pounds ground beef
8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Two 24-ounce jars spaghetti sauce, divided use
24-ounce jar water
16-ounce box cavatappi pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Season with salt and pepper, drain excess grease, and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, minced garlic, and parsley. Stir until smooth.
Layer half a jar of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add half the pasta evenly over the sauce layer.
Pour one full jar of spaghetti sauce over the pasta, followed by half a jar of water.
Spread half the browned ground beef over the sauce layer, then dollop the cream cheese mixture on top in an even layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, water, and ground beef.
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2-3 hours. Check at 2 hours as cookers can vary.
When the pasta is tender, stir gently to combine everything. Add mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted (about 5 minutes).
Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a pop of color, if desired. Serve warm!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta

Check pasta at 2 hours: Slow cookers differ, so don’t let it overcook. Start checking early!
Pre-soften cream cheese: This ensures it mixes into the dish easily and evenly.
Boost flavor: Swap in ground Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Double it: Cooking for a crowd? Scale up the recipe—just make sure your slow cooker can handle it.

Easy Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta Variations

Vegetarian version: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat.
Spicy upgrade: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce layers.
Clean-out-the-fridge: Throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand—zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers work great.
Cheese lovers: Use a mix of provolone, Parmesan, and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cavatappi works best for this easy slow cooker pasta, penne or rotini are great swaps.

Can I make this ahead?

You sure can! Assemble all the layers the night before and refrigerate the slow cooker insert. Just add 30 minutes to the cook time if starting cold.

Do I need to cook the pasta first?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this dish. The slow cooker takes care of it, absorbing all the flavors as it cooks.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions with a splash of water to prevent drying out. For larger amounts, use a covered skillet over low heat.

Can I freeze Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta?

Yes! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Give this Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite slow cooker shortcut? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!