Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
Crockpot pizza casserole brings the joy of pizza night to your slow cooker. It’s packed with pasta, ground beef, pepperoni, and lots of cheese. You can easily make this tasty dish with just 15 minutes of prep time. Then let your crockpot do the work for 3-4 hours.
This recipe is great for busy families or when you want a no-fuss meal. You’ll love how the flavors blend as it cooks. The result is a cheesy, saucy casserole that tastes like pizza in every bite. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy 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
You’ll also want to grab these items:
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (skip if you don’t like heat)
- 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
For extra cheesiness, add:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start cooking. It’s always a good idea to check your pantry and fridge first!
Instructions
Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package says. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef with onions and peppers in a skillet. Add spices and cook for another minute or two.
Spray your Crockpot with cooking spray. Layer ingredients in this order:
- Half the pasta
- Half the meat mixture
- Half the sauce and tomatoes
- Half the pepperoni
- Half the cheese
Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
Set your Crockpot to low and cook for 3-4 hours. The cheese should be melted and bubbly when it’s done.
Don’t overcook, or your pasta might get mushy. Once everything is hot and the cheese is gooey, it’s ready to serve!
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite pizza toppings. Try mushrooms, olives, or sausage for extra flavor.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this Crockpot pizza casserole to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
Pasta options:
- Penne
- Ziti
- Rotini
- Fusilli
Meat alternatives:
- Ground turkey
- Italian sausage
- Diced chicken
- Veggie crumbles (for a meatless version)
Try swapping the pizza sauce for alfredo sauce and using chicken instead of beef for a “white pizza” twist.
For extra veggies, add mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You can also use different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan.
Want a spicier kick? Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
For a lower-carb option, replace half the pasta with cauliflower florets.
Feel free to top with your favorite pizza toppings just before serving. Some ideas:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced black olives
- Diced pineapple (if you’re into that!)
Remember, cooking times may vary slightly with different ingredients, so keep an eye on your casserole.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Cook the pasta slightly less than usual to prevent it from getting mushy in the slow cooker. Aim for about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest.
For extra flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also mix in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
Don’t open the lid too often while cooking. Each time you do, it adds about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
To make this dish lower in carbs, swap out the pasta for cauliflower florets. Cook them separately and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For a fun twist, serve with garlic bread on the side for dipping. It’s a great way to soak up any extra sauce!
If you like a crispy top, transfer the casserole to a baking dish after cooking. Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
