My kids come running any time we have Crock Pot Pizza Casserole, but you know what? It's just as popular with adults! It's because it's so scrumptious. Gooey, melty mozzarella cheese, rich pepperoni, and hearty pasta all combined in one amazing casserole. Watch how fast it disappears!
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This slow cooker pizza casserole is bursting with Italian flavor from the creamy mozzarella cheese, salty pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and wholesome pasta. A scoop of this with a side Caesar salad and a piece of hot, fresh garlic bread is the ultimate homemade dinner for family or a gathering.
Crockpot pizza recipes are a fun and unique way to make pizza from home. This one is always a crowd favorite and if you love it, then you've got to try my Crockpot Pizza Dip, this melty Pizza in the Slow Cooker, and this Crockpot Stuffed Shells recipe, next!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: This Crock Pot pizza pasta only takes about 30 minutes to prepare before you let it simmer away in the slow cooker.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: Pizza and pasta are both amazing comfort foods, and this is the best of both!
- More Affordable Than Takeout: Ordering pizza can be surprisingly expensive, but this pasta pizza version is budget-friendly.
- Delicious Leftovers: One of my favorite things about this crockpot pizza casserole recipe is that it saves and freezes really well.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: Regular penne, whole wheat, and gluten-free would all work well for this pizza casserole in the Crock Pot. You could also use rotini noodles or another pasta shape. Be sure to only cook them to al dente.
- Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (either 90/10 or 85/15) is best for this recipe so that it's not too greasy. You'll drain it before adding it to the casserole.
- Yellow Onion and Minced Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add tons of savory flavor to this dish.
- Marinara Sauce: You're going to add two jars of marinara sauce to this pizza crockpot casserole. It gives the dish classic tomato flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: You can use regular or fire-roasted tomatoes. They're flavorful, but not too spicy.
- Italian Seasoning: The blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme brings out all the classic pizza flavors. Some Italian seasonings also include garlic powder, parsley, crushed red pepper, or sage.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic cheese to use on pizza but you could also use creamy cheeses like Parmesan, Provolone, Cheddar, Gouda, Ricotta, Fontina, Gorgonzola, and Gruyere instead.
- Pepperoni: Pepperoni is a sausage made with pork, beef, or turkey seasoned with chili peppers, paprika, garlic, and other spices. You can find mild or spicier versions depending on what you prefer.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Add Your Favorite Pizza Toppings: Crunchy cut up green or red bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives go well in this dish.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free penne to easily make this recipe gluten-free for those who have allergies or sensitivities.
- Change the Sauce: There are so many flavor varieties in marinara sauce. Mix it up with a basil, garlic, or a cheesy variety.
- Use Italian Sausage: Instead of ground beef, swap in Italian sausage for more heat and spice. Or do half beef and half Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Version: If you want a lighter, meat-free version of the recipe, leave out the ground beef and pepperoni and use more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and any other veggies you like on veggie pizza.
How to Make Pizza Casserole in the Crock Pot
Making Crock Pot Pizza Casserole from scratch is easier than you might think! Here's how to do it in just 6 simple steps.
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Cook the penne pasta to al dente using the directions on the package. Drain and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions. Add the ground beef and sliced onion to a large skillet. Cook over high heat until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Get the Sauce Ready in the Slow Cooker. I recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
- Step 4: Add Everything In. Put in the pasta, ground beef mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Mix well.
- Step 5: Cover and Cook. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. When the pizza casserole is done cooking, top with the remaining cheese and let it cook a few more minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Hint: Cooking the Pasta
You'll want to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker and layering in the casserole. But be careful to only boil it to al dente, otherwise it can get soggy in the casserole!
Expert Tips
- Storing and Reheating: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat the dish in the microwave on medium heat for 30-60 second intervals until it is heated through.
- Nonstick Spray: For an easier cleanup, spray the inside of the Crock Pot with nonstick spray or use a Crock Pot liner.
- Cook on Low: Cooking this dish on high or for longer than 4 hours may cause it to burn. I recommend only using the low setting on your slow cooker for this one.
- Serve Hot: I don't recommend leaving the Crock Pot on the warm setting for a long time (like if you're serving this at a party and guests might want to have seconds). The pasta continues to soak up the sauce and this could lead to the pasta becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a hit with the whole family and makes for a great potluck dish. We also love making this one for meal trains if someone is recovering from an illness or has just had a baby. It's so simple to make and easy for them to heat up.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green color. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
- This makes a delicious lunch the next day as the flavors have time to marinate and meld together. Sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top when you serve the leftovers.
- If you love spicy pizza, add a little crushed red pepper or a few pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Hosting a crowd? Have Italian night and make this dish along with slow cooker chicken parmesan and meatball soup.
- For dessert, have cherry cobbler or chocolate lava cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make this in the oven if you prefer. Once you've made the sauce and pasta combination, layer it with cheese in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake it uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until the top has melted.
Yes! You can brown the ground beef and cook the pasta and store them separately in the fridge. Then assemble everything the day you're making the casserole.
If you prefer a casserole with less sauce, reduce the marinara sauce to 1 ½ jars instead of 2 and drain some of the liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them.
More Crock Pot Casserole Recipes
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Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 (24 oz) jars of marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 3.5 oz package pepperoni
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta to al dente per directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, add ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until hamburger is browned and onions are soft. Drain off excess grease and set aside.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add pasta, ground beef mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni to the slow cooker. Mix until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. When the pizza casserole is done cooking. Top with the remaining cheese and continue to cook until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier cleanup, coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or use a Crock Pot liner to keep everything from sticking.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. If you overcook it, it can get mushy in Crock Pot.
- Cook the ground beef and drain any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or sausage to make the casserole your own.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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