The Best Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Night Fun

Crafting a mouthwatering crockpot pizza casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of melted cheese, savory meats, and zesty sauce create an irresistible meal that feels like a warm hug.

pizza lovers will go crazy for this simple yet incredible dish that combines classic flavors in one pot.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

Kids adore this crowd-pleasing recipe, and adults appreciate how quickly it comes together.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing comfort classic.

Scoop up a helping and watch everyone ask for seconds!

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this pizza casserole because it combines pasta, cheese, and classic pizza flavors in an easy-to-eat dish that’s not too spicy or complicated.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even ground chicken for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta completely?

No, cook the pasta just al dente (slightly firm) since it will continue cooking in the crockpot and absorb more liquid during the slow cooking process.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and opt for low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole with Bold Flavors

• Create Comfort in One Pot: This crockpot pizza casserole transforms classic pizza flavors into a hearty, stress-free meal that feeds the whole family without complicated cooking steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap ground beef for sausage, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and keep dinner exciting.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love this familiar pizza-inspired dish that combines everyone's favorite ingredients into one delicious, easy-to-serve casserole.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Simply layer ingredients, let the crockpot work its magic, and enjoy a complete meal with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the casserole.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich component that adds robust flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
• Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that brings spicy and savory elements to the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce that infuses the dish with classic pizza flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a sharp and salty flavor accent.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a deep flavor base for the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Diced Tomatoes, Water: Ingredients that add moisture and extra tomato depth to the dish.

How to Prepare Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside for layering.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Brown Meat

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 4: Create First Layer

• Half of the cooked pasta
• Half of the browned beef
• Half of the pepperoni slices
• Half of the marinara sauce

Step 5: Complete Layering

Repeat the previous layer with remaining ingredients. Top the layers with diced tomatoes.

Step 6: Add Moisture

Pour water into the crockpot to ensure the casserole stays moist during cooking.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Step 8: Melt Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover and let the cheese melt completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the hot pizza casserole and serve immediately.

Expert Suggestions for Pizza Casserole

• Choose pasta that holds sauce well like rotini or penne for maximum flavor absorption.
• Brown ground beef thoroughly to enhance meat's rich, savory taste and eliminate excess fat.
• Drain meat completely to prevent casserole from becoming watery or greasy during slow cooking.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like provolone or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano during final cheese-melting stage for extra aromatic punch.

Flavor Twists for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta and reduce pepperoni quantity, creating a lighter pizza-inspired casserole suitable for low-carbohydrate diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and include pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style pizza casserole.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a festive serving style by arranging the casserole on a large wooden board with extra pepperoni slices, fresh basil leaves, and crusty garlic bread around the edges.
• Hearty Family Feast: Serve directly from the crockpot with individual side salads and garlicky breadsticks for a comforting family-style meal that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Lunch Box Leftovers: Pack cooled portions in meal prep containers with a small side of extra marinara sauce for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Present the casserole in a large serving dish with small appetizer plates, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy during sports watching or casual gatherings.

Storing Crockpot Pizza Casserole Safely

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store pizza casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.

Simple Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot pizza casserole delivers comfort and convenience in one satisfying dish. Italian-inspired layers combine classic pizza flavors with simple slow-cooker magic, promising delicious results you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 8 ounces (8 oz) pepperoni slices

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 24 ounces (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) black pepper

Cheese:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta to al dente texture according to package guidelines, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until aromatic and translucent.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Brown meat completely and eliminate excess fat.
4. Create initial foundation layer in crockpot with half of the prepared pasta, distributing evenly across bottom surface.
5. Distribute first portion of cooked beef over pasta layer, followed by scattered pepperoni slices and marinara sauce.
6. Replicate layering process with remaining pasta, beef, pepperoni, and sauce to create secondary tier.
7. Scatter diced tomatoes across top layer and pour water throughout mixture to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
8. Secure crockpot lid and cook on LOW temperature for 4-5 hours or HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours until ingredients meld together.
9. During final 30 minutes of cooking, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across surface.
10. Allow cheese to completely melt and become bubbly before removing from crockpot.
11. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring each portion contains balanced mixture of ingredients.

Notes

• Cook pasta slightly firmer than usual since it will continue absorbing liquid during slow cooking, maintaining perfect texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Add cheese during the final 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly gooey, golden-brown cheese topping.
• Add water carefully to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery; start with less liquid and adjust as needed during cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg