Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a yummy dish that mixes all our favorite pizza flavors! It has pasta, sauce, cheese, and really anything you love on pizza. How fun is that?
Using a crockpot makes this super easy—you just throw in your ingredients and let it cook! I love serving it with garlic bread for a perfect meal. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Use either for a rich flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too! For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or your favorite plant-based sausage.
Pizza Sauce: A jarred pizza sauce is perfect for this recipe, but you can always use marinara or spaghetti sauce as a substitute. Just make sure to add some Italian herbs to mimic pizza flavors!
Pasta: Rotini is fun because it holds sauces well, but you can use penne, bowtie, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just remember not to use long pasta; it might not cook well in the crockpot.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey texture! If you’re out, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone or even gouda. Vegan cheese options are also available if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cheesy Texture in My Casserole?
To achieve that gooey, melty cheese on top, timing is essential. About 15 minutes before you finish cooking, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the casserole. This allows it to melt perfectly without becoming overcooked.
- Make sure the crockpot is on high heat when adding the cheese.
- Add a bit of extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover—it only enhances the flavor!
- Cover tightly to keep the cheese from drying out; this helps it melt beautifully.
Lastly, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds freshness and makes your casserole look amazing!
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta or any short pasta
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 30-40 slices pepperoni
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then needs to cook in the crockpot for about 3-4 hours on low. This gives you the perfect opportunity to relax while your dinner cooks itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. If you’re using onion, throw it in along with the minced garlic and sauté until they become soft and fragrant. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
2. Mixing it Up:
In your crockpot, mix the cooked meat, pizza sauce, uncooked pasta, and water or broth. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the mixture.
3. Cooking the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for about 3-4 hours. Remember to stir it halfway through to help prevent the pasta from sticking together. When done, the pasta should be tender but not mushy.
4. Cheese Time!
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Layer the pepperoni slices on top for that classic pizza touch.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The delicious smell will have everyone coming to the kitchen!
6. Serving Up:
Once it’s ready, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color if you’d like. Scoop the casserole onto plates and serve warm. It pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy Crockpot Pizza Casserole with all its delightful flavors and textures! 🍕😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well as those meats can be milder in flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute pizza sauce with marinara or spaghetti sauce. Just add a dash of Italian herbs to give it that pizza kick!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the meat with your favorite plant-based protein, like crumbled tempeh or lentils, and make sure to use a veggie broth instead of beef broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.