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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Replicate the layering process with remaining ingredients, ensuring each stratum is substantial and well-distributed throughout the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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