Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you love the taste of pizza but want the ease of a one-pot meal, then this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is just the dish for you! This hearty casserole combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza—sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and savory sausage—in a comforting pasta bake. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this crockpot recipe is simple to throw together and will leave everyone satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 (16 oz) package of pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular-sized pepperoni, halved)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Drain excess grease and set aside.

2. Prepare the Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta halfway according to package instructions. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the crockpot, so avoid cooking it fully at this stage.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Assemble the Casserole in the Crockpot:

1. Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In the bottom of the crockpot, add a layer of marinara sauce (about 1/3 of the jar).
3. Layer half of the pasta, cooked meat, diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a handful of mini pepperonis.
4. Top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese (mix of mozzarella and cheddar).
5. Repeat the layers by adding another layer of sauce, pasta, meat, veggies, seasonings, pepperonis, and cheese.
6. Finish with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.

4. Add Water:

1. Pour 1 cup of water around the edges of the crockpot. This will help cook the pasta without it drying out.

5. Cook the Casserole:

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. Check periodically to ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook.

6. Add Final Cheese and Pepperonis (Optional):

1. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add a final layer of cheese and additional pepperonis on top.
2. Let the cheese melt completely.

7. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your Crockpot Pizza Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Toppings: Just like with pizza, you can add your favorite toppings! Mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers all work well in this dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta continues to cook in the crockpot, it’s best to cook it halfway on the stovetop before adding it to the dish.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese or use a mix of cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan for extra flavor.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a family-friendly meal that’s as fun as it is delicious. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to bring all the flavors of pizza to your dinner table without ordering takeout. Just set it and let the crockpot do all the work, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole that everyone will love.