The Cheesiest Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Lazy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering crockpot pizza casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of cheesy goodness and savory ingredients merge into one incredible meal that screams home-cooked satisfaction.

Busy families can rejoice because this simple dish requires minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.

Pasta, pepperoni, and melted cheese create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Everyone around the table will crave seconds of this hearty, no-fuss meal.

Start gathering your ingredients and get ready to become a slow-cooker hero.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole: Family Night Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend pizza and casserole flavors into one delicious dish that satisfies all ages, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Quickly brown beef, mix ingredients, and layer in the crockpot without complicated cooking techniques, creating a stress-free meal preparation experience.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily swap pepperoni for different toppings, adjust cheese varieties, or add extra seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Crockpot method allows you to walk away while the dish slowly cooks, developing rich flavors without constant monitoring or complex kitchen skills.

Ingredient List For Pizza Casserole Magic

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the sauce and creates a satisfying texture.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds tangy and robust flavor to the dish.
• Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that brings spicy and meaty elements to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey and creamy layer with delicious flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that boost the overall taste and complexity of the dish.

• Onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the ground beef.
• Non-Stick Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the crockpot.

How To Make Crockpot Pizza Casserole Easy

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta

Boil pasta following package directions.

Drain and set aside, making sure it’s ready for the next delicious layer.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Cooked ground beef
• Pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Layer the First Base

Spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread half of the beef and pasta mixture across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni Layer

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Pepperoni slices

Step 6: Create Second Layer

• Pasta mixture
• Cheese
• Pepperoni

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on LOW setting for 3-4 hours.

Wait until cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Dish out this comfort food directly from the crockpot while it’s hot and enjoy the melty, meaty goodness!

Pizza Casserole – Tips For Cheesy Perfection

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and a smoother, creamier consistency in your casserole.
• Slightly undercook pasta before adding to the crockpot, as it will continue to absorb moisture and soften during slow cooking.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or additional Italian herbs to give the casserole a more complex, zesty taste.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a meat-free version.

Pizza Casserole: Creative Toppings To Add

• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, plant-based meat substitute, or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the pizza flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and swap pepperoni for sun-dried tomatoes to create a Greek-style pizza casserole with different herb combinations.

Ways To Serve Pizza Casserole Hot

• Pizza Night Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with fresh green salad topped with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser Platter: Serve alongside garlic breadsticks or crusty French bread to soak up extra sauce and add delicious crunch.
• Family Style Feast: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
• Dipping Extras: Offer small bowls of extra marinara or ranch dressing on the side for those who love additional sauce with their casserole.

Pizza Casserole: Storage You’ll Appreciate

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring proper food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a 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 a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or chicken for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love this casserole because it combines pizza and pasta flavors in one easy-to-eat dish that’s cheesy and delicious.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use spicy pepperoni to increase the heat level and give the casserole a kick.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot pizza casserole brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of cheesy goodness and zesty pepperoni. Families will savor each bite of this simple one-pot meal that combines classic pizza flavors in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Base and Vegetables:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and draining excess fat.
2. Simultaneously prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Create a robust mixture by combining cooked beef, pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Generously coat the crockpot interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
5. Construct the first base layer by spreading half of the prepared pasta and meat mixture evenly across the crockpot bottom.
6. Distribute a generous blanket of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the first layer, followed by an even arrangement of pepperoni slices.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta mixture, ensuring complete coverage of cheese and pepperoni.
8. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on LOW temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until cheese becomes completely melted and edges turn golden and bubbly.
9. Once cooking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.
10. Serve hot directly from the crockpot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by slightly undercooking it before adding to the crockpot, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Elevate flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or using a spicy marinara sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
• Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium marinara sauce and monitoring added salt during seasoning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg