Looking for an effortless family dinner that combines the best of two beloved comfort foods? Our Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is the answer! This incredible dish marries the irresistible flavors of pizza with hearty pasta, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Prepare to enjoy a deliciously cheesy, meaty, and utterly satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
The Ultimate Easy Family Favorite Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Imagine the joy of a piping hot pizza and the comforting embrace of a classic pasta bake, effortlessly brought together in one mouthwatering dish. That’s exactly what you get with this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole. This recipe is designed for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal but are short on time. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful casserole that tastes like it took hours, but only requires a few minutes of active preparation before your slow cooker takes over.
Forget the debate between ordering pizza or boiling pasta. With this recipe, you can have it all! Tender pasta, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, vibrant pizza sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella come together in a symphony of flavors that will delight every member of your family. It’s the ultimate comfort food solution, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the deep, layered flavors that develop during the slow cooking process.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Most of the cooking happens hands-off in your slow cooker, freeing up your time for other activities or simply relaxing.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The universally loved taste of pizza combined with hearty pasta makes it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, even picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your family’s favorite pizza toppings, cheeses, and even different types of meat to create endless variations.
- Minimal Cleanup: Preparing and cooking everything in one slow cooker (or its liner) significantly reduces the amount of washing up afterwards, making weeknight dinners even easier.
- Perfect for Busy Schedules: You can set this casserole to cook in the morning and come home to a delicious, warm, and ready-to-eat dinner, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or when hosting.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially on a chilly evening.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Guide to Perfect Pizza Casserole
While you absolutely can make this pizza casserole in the oven if you prefer, the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, especially for busy days. If opting for the oven, once the sauce and pasta mixture is prepared, simply layer it with cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and everything is heated through.
However, the slow cooker excels for its “set it and forget it” nature. It dramatically reduces the amount of active cooking time and eliminates the risk of burning, as the low, consistent heat ensures even cooking without constant monitoring. It also allows you to keep the meal warm for extended periods, perfect for families with varying dinner times. Furthermore, using a slow cooker can free up your oven space during holidays or when preparing multiple dishes. The gentle, even heat also helps to meld the flavors beautifully, creating a deeply satisfying dish with a wonderfully consistent and tender texture. Ultimately, both methods yield a delicious result, so choose what best suits your schedule and culinary preferences.
Yes, this recipe calls for a generous amount of pizza sauce to ensure that rich, authentic pizza flavor and a perfect saucy consistency throughout the casserole. Pizza sauce is typically thicker and more robustly seasoned than marinara, specifically designed to stand up to the other ingredients and provide that classic pizza taste. Using three jars helps to thoroughly coat all the pasta and meat, preventing the casserole from becoming dry.
However, if you don’t want to purchase three jars of pizza sauce, or simply prefer marinara, you can certainly use it as a substitute. Be aware that marinara sauce is generally thinner than pizza sauce, which might result in a slightly looser texture for your casserole. To compensate, you could simmer the marinara sauce for a bit longer before adding it, allowing it to thicken slightly, or reduce the amount of pasta slightly. Also, remember that standard pizza sauce jars are usually 14 ounces, meaning you’ll need approximately 42 ounces in total. Marinara or regular pasta sauce jars often come in larger sizes, typically 24 ounces. In that case, two 24-ounce jars would give you 48 ounces, which is slightly more than needed, but you can adjust based on how saucy you like your casserole. Using marinara is a great option if that’s what you have on hand, just be mindful of the potential texture difference and adjust accordingly.
For this particular Crock Pot Pizza Casserole recipe, it is absolutely crucial to cook the pasta to al dente beforehand. The recipe has been specifically developed and tested with pre-cooked pasta, and attempting to cook uncooked pasta directly in the slow cooker will likely lead to undesirable results. Adding uncooked pasta would require a significant increase in liquid for the pasta to absorb and cook properly, and it would also extend the cooking time considerably. Without enough liquid, the pasta would not cook evenly and could end up clumpy, mushy, or completely undercooked in certain sections. While some slow cooker recipes can accommodate uncooked pasta (typically those designed specifically for it with ample liquid), this is not one of them. For the best results, the intended texture, and a consistently delicious outcome, please follow the instruction to cook your rigatoni to al dente according to package directions before adding it to the slow cooker mixture.
Absolutely! This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is incredibly versatile and highly customizable, making it easy to incorporate all your favorite pizza toppings to make it uniquely yours. Common additions like sliced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), fresh mushrooms, black olives, diced onions, or even spinach work wonderfully. Other popular choices include sliced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, or cooked sausage pieces. The only topping you might want to reconsider is pineapple, as its acidity and sweetness might not integrate as well with the casserole’s texture and savory flavor profile when slow-cooked.
For heartier vegetables like peppers and mushrooms, it’s best to add them to the skillet while you’re browning the ground beef and sausage. Sautéing them alongside the meat allows them to soften slightly, release their flavors, and ensure they are perfectly tender by the time the casserole is done. If adding delicate toppings like fresh basil or cooked spinach, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or simply sprinkle them generously on top just before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant color.
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare several components in advance! This makes assembly on cooking day incredibly quick and convenient. You can cook the pasta to al dente and prepare the meat and sauce mixture as instructed. Once cooled, store the cooked pasta and the meat-sauce mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the pre-cooked pasta with the sauce, layer it with cheese in your slow cooker, and proceed from step 7 of the recipe. This make-ahead strategy is perfect for getting a significant head start on dinner, especially during a busy week or when planning for a party.
Cooking the pepperoni before adding it to the casserole is an optional but highly recommended step, based on personal preference and culinary experience. Many types of pepperoni, especially the classic American style, can release a significant amount of grease when heated. By briefly cooking it in the skillet with the ground beef and sausage, you allow some of this excess grease to render out. Draining this rendered grease helps prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily, resulting in a lighter, less greasy, and more balanced final dish. If you prefer the full flavor and richness of un-rendered pepperoni, or if you’re using a low-fat variety, you can skip this step and add it directly with the sauce. However, for a cleaner, less heavy casserole, rendering the pepperoni is a small step that makes a big difference in the overall outcome. Experiment to find your preferred method!
No, it is highly recommended to cook this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole exclusively on a low heat setting for the specified duration (3-4 hours). Cooking on high heat in a slow cooker, especially with a dish that contains a lot of sauce and pasta, significantly increases the risk of the edges and bottom burning. Unlike stovetop cooking where you can constantly stir, you cannot stir the casserole frequently during the slow cooking process without disrupting the layers and hindering the even melt of the cheese. High heat can easily cause localized scorching, leading to burnt spots and an unpleasant texture. This is particularly true if your slow cooker has a metal insert rather than a ceramic one, as metal conducts heat more aggressively and can create hot spots. Low and slow cooking ensures that the casserole heats evenly, the flavors meld beautifully, the pasta remains tender, and the cheese melts perfectly into a gooey, irresistible topping without any undesirable burnt spots.
Unfortunately, doubling this recipe typically won’t fit into a single standard-sized slow cooker (most commonly 6-quart or even 8-quart models). Slow cookers are designed to work best when they are between half to two-thirds full, allowing for proper heat distribution and even cooking. If you try to overfill it, the ingredients won’t heat evenly, and the cooking time will become unpredictable, potentially leading to undercooked areas, an overflowing mess, or unevenly melted cheese. The lid might not even fit securely, which is essential for trapping heat and moisture. If you need to serve a larger crowd, your best bet is to prepare two separate batches in two different slow cookers. Alternatively, consider making one batch in the slow cooker and another in a large baking dish in the oven (following the oven instructions provided in the first FAQ answer) for a delicious and efficient way to feed everyone.
Storing and reheating this pizza casserole is straightforward, making it excellent for enjoying as leftovers. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or larger quantities in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date of freezing.
To reheat, individual portions can be quickly warmed in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway through. For larger quantities or to prevent drying out, reheat the casserole covered with foil in a baking dish in a preheated oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until warm and bubbly. Adding a splash of extra pizza sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating in the oven can help maintain moisture and freshness. We do not recommend reheating the casserole in the slow cooker, as it can take too long to reach a safe internal temperature and might alter the texture of the pasta and cheese undesirably, potentially making the pasta mushy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Crafting the perfect Crock Pot Pizza Casserole begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life, along with tips for variations and substitutions:
- Rigatoni Pasta: One pound of rigatoni is ideal for this casserole, as its tubular shape and ridges are perfect for holding onto the rich sauce and meaty bits. Its sturdy texture also holds up well during slow cooking. However, feel free to use any other hearty pasta shape you prefer, such as ziti, penne, cavatappi, or even large elbow macaroni. Just ensure you use the same quantity (1 pound) and cook it to al dente according to package directions before adding to the slow cooker to avoid mushy pasta.
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 1 pound of lean ground beef (around 80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease in your final dish. Since you’ll be cooking and draining the meat before it goes into the slow cooker, using a slightly fattier ground beef is also acceptable, as you can easily drain off any rendered fat. This adds a robust, savory base to your casserole, reminiscent of classic meat pizzas.
- Ground Italian Sausage (Optional): For an extra layer of authentic Italian flavor and a more complex taste profile, consider adding 1 pound of ground Italian sausage. Whether you choose sweet or spicy, it significantly enhances the overall taste. If you prefer to keep it all beef, simply use 2 pounds of lean ground beef instead of the beef and sausage combination. You can also use a mixture of mild and hot Italian sausage for a balanced spice level.
- Sweet Onion: A small diced sweet onion provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the savory meats and tangy pizza sauce. Onions also add texture to the casserole. If onions aren’t to your taste, or if you have a family member who dislikes them, you can easily omit them without significantly impacting the core flavors.
- Pepperoni: A 3.5-ounce package of classic pepperoni rounds is a must for that quintessential pizza taste. The small, flavorful discs distribute throughout the casserole, offering bursts of savory, slightly spicy flavor. As mentioned in our FAQ, pre-cooking the pepperoni slightly can help render out excess grease, but this is a matter of personal preference. Feel free to use mini pepperoni, or other cured meats like diced ham or crumbled bacon for a different twist.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves of minced fresh garlic infuse the casserole with a pungent, aromatic kick that is foundational to Italian-inspired dishes. While jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative, fresh garlic typically offers the best and most vibrant flavor. If using jarred, you might need to adjust the quantity slightly.
- Pizza Sauce: Three 14-ounce jars of your favorite pizza sauce provide the perfect amount of rich, thick sauce for this casserole. This ensures every bite is coated in that familiar tangy tomato flavor. For more details on substitutions with marinara or other pasta sauces, including considerations for thickness and quantity, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ section above. The key is a flavorful, robust tomato base that stands up to the other ingredients.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A 16-ounce bag of shredded mozzarella is absolutely essential for that signature gooey, stretchy, and utterly irresistible cheese pull that makes any pizza dish a favorite. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and melts well, but freshly shredding a block of mozzarella can often yield an even creamier, smoother melt. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan, provolone, or even a touch of white cheddar cheese for additional flavor complexity and a sharper note.
- Chopped Parsley (for Garnish, Optional): A garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh herbal note to the finished dish. It’s not strictly necessary for taste but significantly enhances the visual appeal, making your homemade pizza casserole look even more appetizing.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Follow these easy, detailed instructions to create a delightful Crock Pot Pizza Casserole that your family will adore. This simple process ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Lightly spray the interior of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the pasta and cheese from sticking to the sides and bottom during the long cooking process. Set it aside while you prepare the other components.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to soften slightly in the slow cooker and you don’t want it to become mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander to remove all excess water, and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using). Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning, until the onions have softened and the meat is fully browned, with no pink remaining. This step is essential for developing rich flavor.
- Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the pepperoni and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything in well, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the pepperoni to render some of its excess fat (contributing to a less greasy casserole) and the garlic to become fragrant, releasing its pungent aromas without burning.
- Carefully drain any excess grease from the meat and pepperoni mixture. This is an important step for the best texture and flavor. Transfer the drained mixture to a large mixing bowl. Pour all three 14-ounce jars of pizza sauce into the bowl and stir thoroughly to combine with the meat mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the bowl with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir everything very well until all the pasta is completely coated in the flavorful sauce. This ensures every bite of your casserole is rich and delicious, and helps prevent dry spots.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared slow cooker. Use your spoon or spatula to spread it out into a uniform layer, forming the delicious foundation of your casserole.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pasta mixture in the slow cooker. This creates a delectable layer of gooey cheese within the casserole, adding to its irresistible texture.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the cheese completely. This ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout the casserole.
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer of pasta. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown, melted cheese crust that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
- Place the lid securely on your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when it is warmed through, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top is fully melted and golden brown. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your amazing Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole!
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own, packed with flavors and hearty ingredients, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to elevate your dining experience:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory casserole.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding an extra layer of garlicky goodness to your meal.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply prepared vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds extra nutrients and balances the meal.
Feel free to get creative with your casserole and make it truly your own! Here are some ideas for delicious variations and customizations:
- Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a meat-free marvel. Omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. Instead, sauté a generous mix of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. For protein, add a can of drained lentils or chickpeas to the sauce mixture.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or include sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) in the layers.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of mozzarella, provolone (for a sharper taste), shredded Parmesan, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a unique and sophisticated cheesy flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by mixing in additional pizza-inspired vegetables such as sautéed spinach, black olives, green olives, artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) with the sauce mixture.
- Kid-Friendly: For a guaranteed kid-approved meal, stick to classic pepperoni and ensure there’s plenty of extra gooey cheese. You might also try using milder ground beef and sweet Italian sausage.
- Herbaceous Flair: Beyond parsley, consider adding dried oregano, basil, or a general Italian seasoning blend to the meat and sauce for an even more pronounced herb flavor.
Craving More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of slow cooker recipes is designed to bring hearty, comforting meals to your table with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings a breeze. Explore more of our favorites for easy meal solutions and family-friendly feasts:
- Crock Pot Salsa Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Crock Pot Baked Ziti
- Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Pizza Hut Cavatini
- Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread
- Crock Pot Ravioli
- Ravioli Casserole
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- White Pizza Dip
- Baked Pizza Pasta
- Pizza Tortellini
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Crock Pot Pork Loin
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
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Rate
30 minutes
4 hours 15 minutes
4 hours 45 minutes
12 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3.5 ounce package pepperoni
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (14 ounce) jars pizza sauce
- 16 ounce bag shredded mozzarella
- chopped parsley (for garnish), optional
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the rigatoni per the directions on the back of the box to al dente, drain well, and set aside.
- While the rigatoni is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage, break it up into crumbles, and add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and there is no pink left in the meat.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add the pepperoni and garlic to the pan, stir it in well, and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the mixture well and add it to a large bowl. Add the pizza sauce to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir well until everything is coated.
- Add half of the pasta mixture to the slow cooker.
- Top with half of the cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Add the remaining cheese on top of the pasta.
- Add the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with chopped parsley (if using)
Notes
- For more detailed insights into substitutions, common questions, and recipe adjustments, please refer to the comprehensive FAQ section and ingredient breakdown provided earlier in this article.
- Store any leftover Crock Pot Pizza Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven.
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.