Cozy Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Magic

Comfort food meets convenience in this delightful crockpot pizza casserole that brings together cheesy goodness and hearty flavors.

Layers of pasta, zesty sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering dish that screams simplicity and taste.

The slow cooker works its magic, blending ingredients into a harmonious meal that feels like a warm hug.

Packed with protein and bursting with classic pizza elements, this casserole turns ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

Each bite promises a perfect combination of gooey cheese and savory toppings that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Families and friends will love gathering around the table to enjoy this effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal preparation.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, adding extra bell peppers and zucchini for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, use pepper jack cheese, and include hot sauce for those craving a fiery pizza casserole experience.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute pepperoni with chopped olives, feta cheese, and add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Pizza Casserole to a Crowd

• Pizza Night Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy Italian dressing to balance the rich casserole flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with warm garlic breadsticks or crusty French bread to soak up extra pizza sauce and enhance the meal's heartiness.
• Game Day Winner: Perfect for casual gatherings, this dish works wonderfully as a crowd-pleasing main course during sports events or family movie nights.
• Veggie Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh element and extra nutritional punch.

Storing Crockpot Pizza Casserole for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze flat for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love pizza-inspired dishes, and this casserole combines familiar flavors that children typically enjoy.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives or use additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach as protein substitutes.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella is traditional, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor and a creamy texture.

Pizza Casserole in the Crockpot, Why It’s Great

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap meats, add different veggies, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep dinner exciting.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Combine pizza flavors with casserole comfort, guaranteeing a meal that will make both children and adults cheer at the dinner table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that brings together all the best pizza ingredients in a convenient, stress-free format.

What’s Inside Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Provides the hearty and flavorful base for the pizza casserole.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Add depth of flavor and a subtle crunch to the dish.

• Pasta: Creates a satisfying foundation for the layered casserole.

• Pizza Sauce: Brings classic pizza flavor to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Offer creamy, melty goodness and rich flavor.

• Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza topping element with its spicy and savory profile.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Steps for Cheesy Pizza Casserole in a Crockpot

Step 1: Sizzle Meat and Veggies

Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet with diced onions and chopped bell peppers.

Use medium-high heat and stir frequently until meat is fully cooked.

Drain any excess grease using a colander to keep the dish light and not greasy.

Step 2: Prepare Crockpot Surface

Coat the entire interior of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.

This prevents ingredients from sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

Step 3: Create First Pasta Layer

Spread half of the cooked pasta across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even base for the upcoming layers of deliciousness.

Step 4: Build First Flavor Foundation

Add on top of the pasta layer the first portion of meat mixture.

• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Pepperoni slices

Step 5: Repeat Layering Process

Continue building layers by repeating the previous step, using remaining pasta, meat mixture, and toppings until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours.

The dish is ready when cheese is completely melted and ingredients are heated thoroughly.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop the hot casserole onto plates and serve immediately.

Enjoy this comfort food with family and friends.

Tips for Pizza Casserole That Stands Out

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy.
• Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still packs flavor.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer, more complex cheese profile.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add texture.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their pizza casserole.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting crockpot pizza casserole combines classic Italian flavors with hearty American convenience. Melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and pasta layers create a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Pizza Toppings and Cheese:

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 1 jar (24 fluid ounces) pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef or sausage with diced onions and bell peppers in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly browned and vegetables are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Carefully drain excess fat from the meat mixture using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
3. Thoroughly coat the interior of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Spread a uniform layer of cooked pasta across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even base for the casserole.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Pour pizza sauce generously over the meat, creating a rich and flavorful foundation.
7. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and arrange pepperoni slices across the sauce layer.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, meat mixture, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
9. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 3-4 hours.
10. Verify the casserole is thoroughly heated and cheese is completely melted before serving.
11. Dish out warm portions and garnish with additional pepperoni or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Try different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg