Simple & Savory Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Families

Pizza lovers often dream about combining comfort food with classic crock pot magic, creating a mouthwatering pizza casserole that satisfies deep cravings.

Layers of melted cheese, zesty sauce, and hearty noodles come together in one incredible dish.

Families will absolutely adore this simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal preparation.

Weeknight dinners become instantly exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a homemade pizza party.

Cheesy, savory goodness awaits you in every single bite of this incredible casserole.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques make this recipe perfect for busy households wanting something deliciously different.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing dinner solution that brings everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Highlights

• Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort using the crock pot, perfect for busy families and individuals seeking convenient cooking solutions.
• Combine classic pizza ingredients like pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce into a comforting casserole that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Create a universally loved dish that appeals to children and adults alike, making dinnertime a breeze with its familiar and tasty components.
• Easily swap ingredients or add personal favorite pizza toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, offering flexibility for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.
• Italian Sausage: A spicy and flavorful meat option that adds depth to the dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that creates a satisfying base for the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional pizza flavor.

• Cheese: A melty and creamy ingredient that binds the casserole together and provides a classic pizza-like texture.
• Pepperoni Slices: A traditional pizza topping that brings a spicy and savory element to the dish.

• Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavorful spices that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Making Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Grab a skillet and sizzle up ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat.

Cook until the meat turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease, then sprinkle in oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the meat super flavorful.

Step 2: Create Delicious Layers

Time to build your casserole masterpiece in the crock pot!

• Seasoned meat mixture
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time to create a mouthwatering stack of goodness.

Step 3: Add Tempting Toppings

Deck out your casserole with pepperoni slices and an extra handful of cheese for maximum pizza vibes.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese transforms into a melty wonderland.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Give your casserole a few minutes to cool down.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips to Perfect Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

• Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Drain pasta and meat thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that could make the dish watery.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach between layers to increase nutritional value and add extra texture.
• Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a delightful crunchy element.

Storage Instructions for Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add extra cheese on top for crispy texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the pizza casserole.
• Crisp Caesar Salad Companion: Toss a fresh caesar salad with homemade croutons to balance the hearty casserole and add a light, crunchy texture to the meal.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce and provide an additional layer of delicious carbohydrate goodness.
• Refreshing Beer Match: Select a crisp lager or amber ale that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a perfect casual dining experience.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Variations to Try

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms, using zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low-carb, vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños, use hot Italian sausage, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery take on the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, add sliced black olives, use lamb instead of beef, and mix in some fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage. Just make sure to brown the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This crock pot pizza casserole is perfect for kids who love pizza flavors. The combination of pasta, cheese, and meat makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure! Replace the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to create a veggie-packed version.

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work great because they hold sauce well and are easy to eat. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti that might be difficult to serve from a crock pot.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crock pot pizza casserole combines classic Italian flavors with comforting American convenience. Cheesy layers of pasta, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella create a simple weeknight dinner that brings smiles to hungry families around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Vegetables and Pasta:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes. Eliminate excess grease and incorporate aromatic seasonings like oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Prepare the crock pot by constructing alternating layers: spread a foundation of cooked pasta, then distribute meat mixture evenly, pour marinara sauce generously, and sprinkle cheese across the surface.
3. Replicate the layering process with remaining ingredients, ensuring each stratum is substantial and well-distributed throughout the casserole.
4. Artfully arrange pepperoni slices across the top layer, creating a decorative and flavorful pizza-inspired presentation. Optional: Add an extra cheese garnish for enhanced richness.
5. Secure the crock pot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 3-4 hours. Verify doneness by checking that cheese is completely melted and edges appear bubbly.
6. Once cooking completes, remove lid and permit casserole to rest 10-15 minutes, enabling ingredients to stabilize and simplifying serving process. Portion and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and selecting lean meat options like ground turkey or chicken.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for deeper flavor complexity and enhanced melting properties.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while keeping the classic pizza-inspired taste intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg