Crockpot Pizza Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Nolan Ryan ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can marinara sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup pepperoni, diced (optional)
• 12 oz wide egg noodles or penne pasta
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Extra mozzarella for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to crockpot, leaving some fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer to crockpot.
3. Add Base Ingredients: To the crockpot, add marinara sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
5. Prepare Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Make It Creamy: In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the crockpot.
7. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Add diced pepperoni if using.
8. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the crockpot and gently fold together until well coated.
9. Final Touch: Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, cover for 5 minutes until melted.
10. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve with extra cheese on the side.

Serves 6-8

Chef's Tips:

• Don't add dairy ingredients too early or they may curdle
• For extra pizza flavor, add a handful of mini pepperoni in the last 30 minutes
• Can substitute ground Italian sausage for half the ground beef
• Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or broth
• Try serving with garlic bread for the ultimate pizza experience