Description
Make this easy Crock Pot Pizza Casserole with layers of pasta, cheese, sauce, and toppings. A cheesy, family-friendly slow cooker meal!
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned.
- Stir in onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then drain excess grease.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Add half of the pasta, then half of the cooked meat.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of sauce, pasta, meat, and cheese.
- Add optional toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle extra cheese and pepperoni on top.
- Cover and let the cheese melt completely.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Ensures even cooking and flavors.
- Undercook Pasta Slightly: Prevents mushiness during slow cooking.
- Add Cheese at the End: Keeps it gooey and prevents over-browning.
- Make it Your Own: Customize with favorite pizza toppings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and cook later.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (LOW) or 2-3 hours (HIGH)