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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and draining excess fat.
- Simultaneously prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Create a robust mixture by combining cooked beef, pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Generously coat the crockpot interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Construct the first base layer by spreading half of the prepared pasta and meat mixture evenly across the crockpot bottom.
- Distribute a generous blanket of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the first layer, followed by an even arrangement of pepperoni slices.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta mixture, ensuring complete coverage of cheese and pepperoni.
- 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.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.
- 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