Crockpot Pizza Casserole
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Craving pizza but want something easier? Try this yummy crockpot pizza casserole! You’ll love how simple it is to make. Just layer pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese in your slow cooker. This tasty meal cooks while you relax, giving you all the flavors of pizza without the work.
In about 4 hours, you’ll have a hot, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinner. The recipe makes 8 servings, so there’s plenty to go around. With ground beef, pepperoni, and two types of cheese, it’s sure to satisfy even the biggest pizza fans in your house.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Crockpot pizza casserole:
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni slices
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Don’t forget to grab some non-stick cooking spray for your Crockpot too!
This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. You’ll love how the flavors blend together as they cook low and slow in your Crockpot.
Remember, you can adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re a fan of heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip them altogether.
Instructions
Cook the pasta in salty water until it’s a bit firm. Drain it and put it aside.
Heat oil in a pan. Add beef, onions, and peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat browns. Drain extra fat.
Mix in spices and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray. Layer half the pasta, meat, sauce, tomatoes, pepperoni, and cheese.
Do the same layers again with what’s left.
Set your crockpot to low. Cook for 3-4 hours until it’s hot and bubbly.
Serve it up hot! You can add extra toppings if you want.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook or the pasta will get mushy
- Use oven mitts to handle the hot crockpot
- Let it cool a bit before eating to avoid burns
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until it’s hot all the way through.
Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out ingredients in this Crockpot pizza casserole to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
Pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or ziti instead of rigatoni. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower florets.
Meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace ground beef. For a veggie version, use crumbled plant-based meat or extra veggies.
Cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.
Veggies: Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sauce: Use alfredo sauce for a white pizza casserole. Marinara works too if you’re out of pizza sauce.
Toppings: Try bacon bits, sliced ham, or pineapple chunks for different pizza styles.
Remember to adjust cooking times if using raw meats or veggies. Keep an eye on your casserole to make sure it doesn’t overcook. With these swaps, you can create new flavor combos every time you make this yummy dish!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this pizza casserole more suitable for people with diabetes, try these easy swaps:
Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular rigatoni. This adds more fiber and helps control blood sugar spikes.
Pick lean ground turkey or chicken to replace the beef. These options have less fat and fewer calories.
Cut the cheese amount in half. Use 1.5 cups mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar to reduce calories and fat.
Add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. This boosts nutrition and fiber while lowering the carb count.
Choose a sugar-free pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.
Use turkey pepperoni instead of regular. It’s lower in fat and calories.
Try these cooking tips too:
Drain and rinse the ground meat after cooking to remove extra fat.
Skip the salt and use herbs for flavor instead.
Serve smaller portions with a big side salad to fill your plate with veggies.
These changes can make the casserole more diabetes-friendly without losing the yummy pizza taste you love!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make your Crockpot pizza casserole even better, try these tips:
• Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will keep cooking in the Crockpot.
• Feel free to swap out toppings. Try sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to each layer.
• Don’t peek too often while cooking. This lets heat escape.
Storing is easy:
- Let leftovers cool completely
- Put in an airtight container
- Keep in fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in microwave or oven
You can also freeze this dish:
• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap
• Place in freezer bag
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw in fridge before reheating
To make ahead, prep all ingredients the night before. Store separately in the fridge. In the morning, layer everything in your Crockpot and start cooking.
For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after slow cooking. Just be sure your Crockpot insert is oven-safe!