Irresistible Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful crockpot pizza casserole combines comfort and convenience in one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and hearty toppings meld together seamlessly.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll love how simple ingredients create such a satisfying meal.

Busy families appreciate meals that come together without stress.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Dive into this cheesy, saucy sensation that promises to become a new household favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or penne. Just ensure they’re similar in size to maintain consistent cooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love this pizza-inspired casserole with its cheesy, saucy, and pepperoni flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to create a vegetarian version.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the recipe uses uncooked pasta that cooks directly in the slow cooker with the sauce and water, absorbing all the delicious flavors during the cooking process.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe Breakdown

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Explosion: Combine pizza-inspired ingredients like pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce into a crowd-pleasing dish that makes everyone at the table happy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Eliminate multiple cooking steps and dirty dishes by using a single slow cooker that transforms basic ingredients into a complete, satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like ground beef for turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.
• Pepperoni Slices: Adds classic pizza taste and extra savory texture to the dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the casserole.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and a mild, fresh vegetable crunch.

• Marinara Sauce: Creates a classic pizza-style sauce base for the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and extra tomato flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a traditional herb blend that enhances the pizza-like taste.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, concentrated garlic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Uncooked Pasta: Serves as the hearty carbohydrate base that cooks directly in the crockpot.
• Cheese: Melts and creates a creamy, gooey layer throughout the casserole.

• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the right moisture level in the slow cooker.

How to Make Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a rich, golden brown. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lean and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Create A Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the incredible flavors together.

Step 4: Layer The Base Of The Casserole

• Spread half of the uncooked pasta across the bottom
• Add half of the meat sauce
• Sprinkle half of the cheese

Step 5: Complete The Layering

• Remaining pasta
• Remaining meat sauce
• Remaining cheese

Top everything with pepperoni slices for extra pizzazz.

Step 6: Add Moisture

Pour water over the entire casserole to help cook the pasta perfectly.

Step 7: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 4-5 hours.

The pasta will become tender and absorb all the amazing flavors.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop out the piping hot casserole and serve immediately.

Watch everyone dig in with pure excitement!

Tips for Crockpot Pizza Casserole Success

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and sneak in more nutrients for picky eaters.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by checking doneness at the 4-hour mark and adding more water if needed.

Variations for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the pizza-inspired taste.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Night Family Feast: Transform this casserole into a fun dinner experience with garlic bread, fresh green salad, and extra pepperoni on the side for pizza lovers.
• Game Day Comfort Meal: Serve in individual bowls with crusty bread for dipping, perfect for watching sports or casual weekend gatherings with friends.
• Kids' Favorite Deconstructed Pizza: Cut into smaller portions, add extra cheese on top, and pair with vegetable sticks for a kid-friendly meal that ensures clean plates.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Pack in a large serving dish, sprinkle fresh basil on top, and bring to community gatherings where everyone will ask for the recipe.

Storage Advice for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Avoid leaving the casserole at room temperature for extended periods.

Easy Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot pizza casserole brings classic Italian-American flavors together in one comforting dish. Layers of pasta, zesty sauce, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Pasta, Sauces, and Seasonings:

• 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 24 ounces (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains. Discard accumulated grease thoroughly.
2. Incorporate diced onion and bell pepper into the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Blend marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Allow flavors to meld for 5 minutes over low heat.
4. Prepare crockpot by lightly coating interior with cooking spray or oil.
5. Create first layer of uncooked pasta across bottom of crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
6. Spread half of seasoned meat sauce uniformly over pasta layer.
7. Sprinkle half of cheese across meat sauce, creating consistent coverage.
8. Repeat layering process with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
9. Arrange pepperoni slices across top layer for additional flavor and visual appeal.
10. Carefully pour water over entire casserole, ensuring moisture reaches all ingredients.
11. Secure crockpot lid and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
12. Once cooking completes, let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to settle.
13. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease pooling in the casserole.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version with reduced fat content.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or penne for varied texture and visual appeal.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 509
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg