Crockpot Pizza Mac-n-Cheese

The crockpot is so great for meal prep! This actually made enough that we were able to freeze a few portions for back-up meals later, which is fantastic. It is high in protein, super simple to throw into the crockpot, and the cheese sauce is made with cottage cheese for an extra protein boost. Two comfort foods in one!

Ingredients:

• 2lbs lean ground beef

• 15oz tomato sauce

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 1 1/2 Tbsps Italian seasoning

• 1 Tbsp salt

• 1 Tbsp onion powder

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp black pepper

• Dash of chili flakes

• 5oz turkey pepperoni, chopped

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• About 1 1/2lbs of shell pasta, or your pasta of choice

• For the sauce:

  • 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese

  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • 1/2-3/4 cups plain Fairlife milk, or your milk of choice

  • salt & pepper, to taste

  • Oregano, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Dice the onion and chop the pepperoni.

2. Add everything into the crockpot besides the pepperoni, olive oil, pasta, and blended cheese sauce. Mix well.

3. Sprinkle the pepperoni on top and drizzle with the olive oil. Leave on top for cooking.

4. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.

5. In the meantime, cook the pasta to 50% (half the time that the box says).

6. Blend the sauce until smooth. (Adjust the thickness to your liking! Start with 1/2 cup of milk and add more if needed. And you can always add more cheese if you want it cheesier. The primary taste here is pizza with the added protein from the cottage cheese.)

7. For the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time, mix in the 50% cooked pasta, blended sauce, and oregano. Cover and finish cooking for the additional 15- 20 min.

8. Serve with shredded mozzarella cheese and chili pepper flakes for added spice!