This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a fun and easy meal that brings all your favorite pizza flavors together! With pasta, cheese, sauce, and toppings of your choice, it’s sure to please everyone.
It’s a lifesaver on busy days! Just toss everything in the crockpot and relax. I love throwing in extra veggies and watching them soften up while everything cooks. So good! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, you can replace it with plant-based meat or mixed mushrooms for a hearty texture. Choose whatever fits your diet!
Pasta: Ziti works well, but feel free to swap it out for penne, shell or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pasta shapes may cook differently.
Pizza Sauce: A jar of pizza sauce gives great flavor! If you want to cut sugar, try using a homemade tomato sauce. For a kick, consider using spicy marinara sauce instead.
Cheese: I love a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. For a kick, add some cheddar or provolone. If you want to lighten it up, try using reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Toppings: The beauty of this dish is versatility! Add veggies like bell peppers or olives, or maybe even pineapple for a sweet twist. You can really make it your own!
How Do You Ensure Perfect Pasta Texture in a Slow Cooker?
The key to keeping pasta from getting mushy in the crockpot is timing and proper liquid ratio. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure the pasta is uncooked when you add it to the crockpot. It absorbs moisture while cooking.
- Add enough liquid (like water or broth) to cover the pasta. Too little can cause it to dry out, while too much will make it watery.
- Check for doneness a bit early. If you’re cooking on low, check around 3 hours and on high, at 1.5 hours.
- Cover the crockpot as much as possible. Each time you lift the lid, steam escapes, which can extend cooking time.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta that’s ready to soak up all those delicious pizza flavors!
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounces) jar pizza sauce
- 2 cups uncooked ziti pasta (or similar pasta)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or other pizza toppings of your choice
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Pizza Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and can cook in the crockpot for 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. That’s all the time you need before digging into a hearty, cheesy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned, and the onions are soft, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remember to add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking and then drain any excess fat. It’s important to get that flavor from the garlic!
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
Next, add the jar of pizza sauce, dried Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors can mix.
3. Set Up the Crockpot:
Now, spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This makes clean-up easier! Pour the uncooked pasta evenly into the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Add the Beef Mixture:
Pour the beef and pizza sauce mixture over the pasta in the crockpot. Now add the water or beef broth on top. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. This will allow the pasta to cook and absorb all those delicious pizza flavors.
6. Blend In the Cheese and Toppings:
Once the pasta is cooked and tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Scatter the sliced pepperoni and any other toppings, like mushrooms or bell peppers, on top of the cheese.
7. Let the Cheese Melt:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the crockpot carefully and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
This hearty casserole delivers all the great flavors of pizza in a comforting pasta bake, made super easy in your crockpot. It’s perfect for family dinners or game nights!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if you use a higher fat content turkey.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Sure! You can omit the meat altogether and substitute it with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also add some plant-based meat for texture if desired!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! Feel free to mix in sliced olives, fresh spinach, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just remember to keep the ratios moderate to ensure everything cooks evenly!