Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Who doesn’t love pizza night? This Crockpot Pizza Casserole gives you all the cheesy, saucy, meaty flavors of pizza with the cozy, set-it-and-forget-it ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Meat Base
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, then add the ground beef (or sausage). Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
- Add Seasoning & Sauce
- Stir the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so flavors blend together.
- Layer in the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the pasta, followed by half the meat sauce, a handful of pepperoni, veggies if using, and half the mozzarella + Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese and pepperoni on top.
- Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Avoid overcooking so the pasta doesn’t get mushy.
- Serve & Garnish
- Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Add extra Parmesan if you’re a cheese lover!
Pro Tips for Crockpot Pizza Casserole
- Make it your own: Try adding black olives, jalapeños, or even cooked bacon for a custom pizza vibe.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, then pop it into the crockpot the next day.
- Cheese swap: Mix in cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy flavor combo.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 460 | 25g | 38g | 20g | 4g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients used. For exact dietary needs, consult a nutrition professional.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker pizza casserole is:
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters go crazy for the cheesy, pepperoni-packed layers.
- Time-saving: Minimal prep, the crockpot does all the work.
- Crowd-pleasing: Serve it at potlucks, family dinners, or game nights for guaranteed compliments.
It’s everything you love about pizza, but in a hearty casserole form that feeds the whole family with minimal effort.