Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe
Description
This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a pasta casserole form. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or game-day parties. The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day, and the result is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Time Breakdown
Task Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time (Low) 4–5 hours
Cooking Time (High) 2–3 hours
Total Time 4–5 hours 15 min (low) or 2–3 hours 15 min (high)
Servings
Serves: 6–8 people
Serving Size: ~1½ cups
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or half of each)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)
24 oz jar of pizza or marinara sauce
1 cup water or beef broth (to cook the pasta)
1 cup pepperoni slices (divided)
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp Italian seasonin
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings:
Black olives, slicedl
Mushroomsl
Extra cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef (or sausage), onions, and garlic. Cook until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare Pasta
Optional: Cook pasta halfway (~5 minutes) for firmer texture in the final dish. Otherwise, uncooked pasta can go in directly with extra liquid.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine browned meat, sauce, water/broth, pasta (uncooked or partially cooked), bell pepper, half the pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Layer in Crock Pot
Spray the crock pot with non-stick spray.
Layer the mixture into the crock pot.
Top with remaining pepperoni and all the cheese.
Step 5: Cook
On LOW: 4–5 hours
On HIGH: 2–3 hours
Do not overcook as pasta can become mushy.
Step 6: Serve
Let sit 5–10 minutes with the lid off before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or extra cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1½ cups)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 450–500 kcal
Carbohydrates 40–45 g
Protein 22–28 g
Fat 22–28 g
Saturated Fat 10–12 g
Fiber 3–5 g
Sugars 5–8 g
Sodium 900–1200 mg
Note: Nutrition varies based on ingredients and portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the meat and double up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use a vegetarian pizza sauce.
Q2: Do I need to cook the pasta first?
A: Not necessarily. You can add uncooked pasta with enough liquid (sauce + water or broth). However, partially cooking it can help control texture.
Q3: Can I freeze Crock Pot Pizza Casserole?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then portion and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q4: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Definitely. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, parmesan, or a pizza-blend mix works well
Q5: Can I prepare it the night before?
A: Yes, assemble everything (except cheese) and refrigerate. Add cheese just before starting the crock pot.