Description
Hearty crockpot pizza casserole brings comfort food to new heights with layers of cheesy goodness and Italian-inspired flavors. Families will love this simple, satisfying meal that combines classic pizza ingredients in an easy slow cooker preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb / 453 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup (12 cup / 60 grams) pepperoni slices
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 3 cups (270 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
- Combine cooked meat with pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onions, and bell peppers in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously coat the crockpot interior with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create strategic layers inside the crockpot: first spread pasta, then top with meat sauce mixture, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and arrange pepperoni slices.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Finish the top layer with a generous coating of mozzarella cheese and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Secure crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until cheese melts completely and casserole becomes heated thoroughly.
- Once cooking completes, let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by browning the meat thoroughly, creating a rich caramelized base that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or health goals.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium pizza sauce and selecting reduced-fat cheese options without compromising the delicious comfort food experience.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg