Crockpot Pizza Mac-n-Cheese combines two comfort-food favorites in one hearty, protein-packed meal. The cottage cheese–based sauce adds creaminess and extra protein, and the recipe makes enough to freeze a few portions for easy backup meals.
A QUICK NOTE
Cook the pasta for only half of the package time before adding it to the crockpot so it does not become mushy. Slow cookers vary, so make sure the ground beef is fully cooked to 160°F before serving. Leftovers reheat well with a small splash of milk.
COOK TIME
2–3 hours on high or 3–4 hours on low
INGREDIENTS
2 lb lean ground beef
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 yellow onion, diced
1½ Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
5 oz turkey pepperoni, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
About 1½ lb shell pasta, or pasta of choice
Dried oregano, to taste
Shredded mozzarella and additional red pepper flakes, for serving, optional
BLENDED CHEESE SAUCE
3½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups plain Fairlife milk, or milk of choice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Dice the onion and chop the pepperoni.
2. Add the ground beef, tomato sauce, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Break up the beef and mix well.
3. Sprinkle the pepperoni over the top and drizzle with the olive oil. Do not stir.
4. Cover and cook for 2–3 hours on high or 3–4 hours on low, until the ground beef is fully cooked and reaches 160°F. Break apart any remaining pieces of beef and stir.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta for half of the time listed on the package, then drain.
6. Add the cottage cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, milk, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.
7. During the final 15–20 minutes of cooking, stir in the partially cooked pasta, blended cheese sauce, and oregano. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the sauce is hot.
8. Serve with additional shredded mozzarella and red pepper flakes, if desired.
