This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It brings together pasta, cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings in a warm, gooey mix.
I love how it practically makes itself! Just throw everything in the slow cooker, relax, and in a few hours, dinner is ready. Plus, leftovers (if there are any) taste even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives a rich, savory base to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well, or try diced veggies for a vegetarian version.
Pasta: I recommend rotini or penne for catching all that delicious sauce. If you want gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb twist!
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought is quick, but homemade offers a touch of freshness. If you’re short on time, crushed tomatoes mixed with Italian herbs can serve as a tasty alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar adds a sharp twist, or try provolone for a different flavor profile.
Pepperoni: Use your favorite brand or swap for turkey pepperoni for a leaner choice. Sliced bell peppers or mushrooms also add great flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Pasta Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky! Start by adding enough liquid and checking doneness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine dry pasta with liquids right from the start. This prevents the pasta from clumping.
- Cover and cook on low, checking at 3 hours. Pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- If you notice it’s close to being done, reduce cooking time or turn off the slow cooker while you prepare the toppings.
This way, you’ll enjoy a casserole that’s cooked just right every time! Don’t forget to let it sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving to avoid it being too saucy.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
- 3 cups dry pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 and 1/2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and takes around 3 to 4 hours to cook on low in the crockpot. So, you can set it in the morning and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
If you choose to, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In the slow cooker, add the browned ground beef along with the dry pasta, pizza sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the base of your delicious casserole!
3. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Check the pasta for doneness at the 3-hour mark to make sure it doesn’t overcook—tenderness is the goal!
4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni:
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the sliced pepperoni. Yum! This will add a nice melty layer of cheesiness.
5. Melty Cheese Time:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly over the top.
6. Final Cheese Touch:
After the cheese has melted, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top. Just let it sit for about 5 minutes so the cheese becomes gooey and soften from the heat.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a tasty and colorful finish. Finally, scoop generous portions into bowls or plates, and enjoy your lovely, cheesy Crockpot Pizza Casserole!
This dish is great for sharing and even makes for delicious leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef and will give you a leaner option. Just season it well to ensure it has flavorful tastes reminiscent of traditional pizza.
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
No worries! You can use a mix of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian herbs as a substitute for pizza sauce. This will still give you that delicious pizza flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and pepperoni, and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can even add some black olives for a fun twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
