Crockpot Pizza Pasta

Some evenings we all seem to be going in different directions.

At these times, my crockpot serves as my go to.

My girls love pizza, and this 'recipe' is something I can throw together fairly easy.
I love that this dish allows me to use two of my favorite herbs that I grow - basil and parsley.

It is so versatile that I have taken this to picnics, potlucks, and served it as supper to company.

Cook ground beef, then add garlic, basil, green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and pasta sauce.
The colors are so bright and beautiful...a meal perfect for any time of the year.

Add the beef and tomato mixture with cooked and drained penne.

Put it in the crockpot and top with cheese and parsley.

Cook on low for 3 - 4 hours. 

(You could cook the ground beef the day before for added convenience of putting this together.)

Crockpot Pizza Pasta

I box penne pasta

1 pound ground beef

2 cloves garlic
3 basil leaves, chopped

handful of diced green peppers (always in my freezer)

1 jar mushrooms
1 package pepperoni

1 can diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes from the garden in the summer)

1 jar pasta sauce

12 ounces shredded cheese (I like to use mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan)
2 tbsp. parsley, chopped

Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain.
Cook the ground beef (with salt and pepper) until browned and cooked through.
To the cooked ground beef, add garlic, basil, green peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, tomatoes and pasta sauce.
Stir together then combine it with the cooked and drained pasta.
Put mixture into crockpot and top with shredded cheese.
Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.

ENJOY!