This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a fun twist on pizza! It layers pasta, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings all cooked in one pot. Those gooey, melty cheese bits are just irresistible!
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver for busy days. Just toss everything in, set it, and let the slow cooker do the magic while you relax—what could be better than that? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor. However, you can easily swap it out for turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to use crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute!
Pizza Sauce: You can use jarred pizza sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce can be even better! Alternatively, marinara or spaghetti sauce will work too if that’s what you have on hand.
Penne Pasta: Penne holds sauce well, making it a favorite. If you don’t have penne, any short pasta like elbows or fusilli will do. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different pasta types may cook differently.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic go-to for its melty goodness. You can use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese that melts well.
Pepperoni: While I love the smoky flavor of pepperoni, you can use other toppings like cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms based on your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can feel tricky, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. You’ll want to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Use uncooked pasta. This allows it to absorb flavors as it cooks with the sauce.
- Combine the pasta with enough liquid to cook it properly, usually 2.5 cups of water or broth for 3 cups of pasta works perfectly.
- Avoid opening the lid too much during cooking! Every time you do, heat escapes, and that can increase the cooking time.
- Lastly, when you add cheese, do it toward the end of the cooking time to keep it melty without becoming overcooked.
This method gives you a cohesive, flavorful dish everyone will love!
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups water or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 3 to 4 hours to cook in the crockpot on low. Plus an extra 10-15 minutes to melt that cheese to cheesy perfection at the end. Perfect for busy days when you need a warm meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently and break it up into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess fat and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, combine the uncooked penne pasta, the cooked ground beef, the jar of pizza sauce, and the water (or beef broth). Give everything a good stir to ensure it’s mixed well. This is where all the flavors come together!
3. Cook the Casserole:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. It’s important to resist the temptation to lift the lid, as this can slow down the cooking process. You want the pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce!
4. Add the Toppings:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover it back up and switch the heat to HIGH.
5. Finish Cooking:
Let it cook on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything looks delectable.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, scoop out portions with a spoon and serve hot. You’ll have a delightful mix of gooey cheese, hearty ground beef, and savory pasta that everyone will enjoy!
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of pizza to your dinner table without all the hassle. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add a nice nutty flavor to the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may cook a little faster – usually 2-3 hours on low should do the trick!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Once cooled, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
The sky’s the limit! Feel free to personalize your casserole with your favorite pizza toppings. You can add cooked sausage, bell peppers, olives, or even mushrooms. Just sprinkle them on top when you add the cheese!
Do I Have to Brown the Ground Beef First?
While browning the beef adds flavor, you can skip this step if you prefer. Just add raw ground beef directly to the crockpot, but ensure it’s well distributed so it cooks evenly. You may need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.