Pizza Casserole made in the Crockpot is a super easy slow cooker dinner that the whole family will love. So simple and delicious!
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines two of my favorite things: pizza and casserole. That’s right, we’re making an amazing, flavorful, mouthwatering, epic (should I go on?) Pizza Casserole in a Crockpot!
Imagine tender pasta layered with juicy ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup for a creamy touch, slices of spicy pepperoni, and heaps of melted mozzarella cheese! Cook all this to perfection in your trusty slow cooker, and you’ve got an amazing meal!
This hearty, comforting dish is an easy weeknight dinner that will win over the entire family. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
This Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is not only an easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also an absolute crowd-pleaser. It takes all your favorite pizza flavors and combines them into a satisfying and comforting casserole.
pizza casserole
The cream of mushroom adds a certain heartiness that just makes my mouth water. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with more time to relax or take care of other things. And when you open up that lid at the end? Oh, the wonderful aroma!
And the sight of pepperoni on top of bubbling cheese and sauce is enough to make you think you’ve somehow gone to heaven!
So next time you’re craving pizza but want a different experience, give this Pizza Casserole in the Crockpot recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Common Questions About Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
Can I Use a Different Pizza Topping for this Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite pizza toppings. Think Italian sausage, bell peppers, black olives, Canadian bacon – the options are endless!
Is it Necessary to Brown the Ground Beef First?
Yes, it is. Browning the ground beef on medium-high heat in a large skillet helps to release its flavors and also removes excess fat. Not only that – but it ensures that it is safe for consumption.
Can I Cook this Casserole on High Heat Setting in the Slow Cooker?
While it’s possible, I’d recommend cooking this Pizza Casserole on a low heat setting. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely and keeps the pasta from getting too soft.
Storage
This is truly a meal that the whole family will love. Pizza flavored pasta? It’s a no brainer!
Refrigerator
Store any leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
If you want to freeze this casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
Tips
You’ve got to love such an easy crockpot recipe. Honestly, I think my slow cooker is the best kitchen tool I have. Set it and forget it, right?
- To avoid overcooking the pasta, ensure it’s cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Add extra flavor by including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or garlic salt in the meat mixture.
- For those following a low-carb diet, try making a low carb pizza casserole version by replacing the pasta with a low-carb alternative.
Ingredients
You might try having some parmesan cheese on the side as well. It is pizza after all!
- Elbow pasta (or Campanelli)
- Ground beef
- Dried minced onions
- Pizza sauce
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sliced pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
Four simple steps. You can’t go wrong with such a simple and easy recipe with basic ingredients!
- Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Stir together the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, minced onion, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, most of the pepperoni (leaving a few slices for the top,) and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese in the slow cooker.
- Smooth the top and add the remaining pepperoni and cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours before serving.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
The crockpot is the star of the show here. Hooray for the humble slow cooker, giving us all peace of mind and wonderful aromas to fill our homes!
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
- Large Skillet
- Colander (for draining the pasta)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Spatula
What to Serve With Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
This Pizza Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side. I love having some crunchy bread to serve as a sort of pizza crust. You can also enjoy this dish on its own, as it’s a complete meal in itself!
Why You Should Make Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
You can bet that this will become one of your family’s favorite meals. And one of the best parts is the leftovers! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- It’s an easy recipe that requires simple ingredients.
- This dish is a family favorite that kids and adults alike will love.
- It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a comforting casserole.
- Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without much fuss.
- An excellent choice for meal prep as it can be prepared ahead and reheats well.
Variations and Add-Ins for Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
Got a certain type of pizza you want to model this after? Go ahead and change things up to suit your taste! This recipe is so easy to modify.
- Add in some veggies like green or red peppers for a nutritional boost.
- Use your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or Canadian bacon.
- For a different flavor profile, try Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce.
- For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can easily make this dish vegetarian by skipping the ground beef and pepperoni and adding extra veggies or a plant-based meat substitute instead.
If you love this easy casserole recipe, you’re going to love these other slow cooker dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Casseroles
If you love this recipe for pizza casserole as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Pizza Casserole in Crockpot
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow pasta cooked according to package directions for al dente (or Campanelli)
- 2 pounds ground beef – browned
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 15 ounces pizza sauce
- 10.75 ounces cream of mushroom soup 1 can
- 8 ounces pepperoni slices – divided (1 package)
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded – divided
Instructions
- Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Stir together the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, minced onion, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, most of the pepperoni (leaving a few slices for the top,) and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese in the slow cooker.
- Smooth the top and add the remaining pepperoni and cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours before serving.
Equipment
- slow cooker
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Reader Interactions
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Share Your Thoughts