Name: Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini); 1 jar (24 oz) pizza or marinara sauce; 1 cup water; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package (5 oz) pepperoni slices; 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like the smell of a warm, cheesy Crockpot Pizza Casserole filling your home. This comforting dish brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into an easy, hearty casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a way to enjoy the taste of pizza without spending hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a family favorite, with its gooey cheese, savory sauce, and customizable toppings. Let me show you why this recipe is a winner!

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza, combined with the convenience of slow cooking.

First, it's incredibly simple to prepare. You can have all the ingredients prepped and layered in your crockpot in under 20 minutes. Then, let the magic of slow cooking do the rest while you focus on your day.

Second, it’s highly versatile. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni, prefer vegetarian toppings, or love a meat-lover's twist, you can customize this casserole to suit your taste.

It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. The recipe yields generous servings, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week.

Finally, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. From the melty cheese to the flavorful pasta and pizza sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole lies in its simple, pizza-inspired ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture.

Pasta: Rotini or penne work best here. Their ridged shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Pizza Sauce: A good-quality pizza sauce is key. If you have a favorite store-bought brand or homemade recipe, use that to set the flavor foundation.
Ground Meat: Italian sausage or ground beef are great options. For a leaner choice, you can use ground turkey or chicken without sacrificing flavor.
Toppings: Classic pepperoni is a must for that authentic pizza vibe, but feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or any other toppings you love.
Cheese: A mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan creates the ultimate gooey, cheesy layer. Don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s the star of this dish.

You’ll also need a large crockpot (at least 6 quarts) to ensure there’s enough room for all the delicious layers.

How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Creating this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is as easy as layering your favorite pizza ingredients. Here’s how it’s done:

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step ensures the pasta doesn’t become overly soft as it cooks in the crockpot.
Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet, brown your ground meat over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
Assemble the Layers: In your crockpot, start with a layer of pizza sauce at the bottom. Follow with a layer of cooked pasta, a portion of the ground meat, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
Add Toppings: Top the casserole with your chosen pizza toppings. Pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and mushrooms are great options.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden.
Serve: Spoon the casserole onto plates and enjoy! A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Options

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a dream when it comes to leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating can make it taste like new.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable, making it perfect for personalizing to your preferences.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for plant-based crumbles or simply add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, carb-conscious version.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for unique flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy sausage for a bit of heat.

With so many possibilities, this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, you're in for a delicious meal every time!