Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about tossing a bunch of delicious ingredients into a slow cooker and letting time work its magic­—especially when the result is a pasta dish that’s essentially a fusion of lasagna and pizza. Join me on this flavor journey with my crockpot Italian baked pasta that’ll have you counting down the hours until dinner!

I adore making simple and satisfying meals for a crowd, and my slow-cooker pizza casserole is always a big hit! With beefy ground meat, piquant pepperoni, and a mélange of excellent veggies like onion and sweet bell pepper, it’s a fantastic combo.

Topped with gluttonously good melty mozzarella, drizzly Parmesan, and totally infused with pipe-in-classic Italian seasonings, it’s beyond comfort food.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich source of protein and iron, adds savory flavor.
• Sliced Pepperoni: Provides a spicy, hearty kick; source of protein and fat.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a fresh, crisp taste; high in vitamins A and C.
• Pasta Sauce: Tomatoes give umami, lycopene-rich; adds moisture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, creamy; supplies calcium and protein.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (6 ounces) sliced pepperoni
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cups pasta sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces uncooked pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

How to Make this Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe

1. Using medium heat, brown the ground beef in a skillet until it is thoroughly cooked, then pour off any excess fat.

2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender. onions and peppers

3. Mix the garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly with the beef and vegetables.

4. In a large slow cooker, layer half of the raw pasta on the bottom.

5. Place half the meat and vegetable mixture over the pasta layer in the crockpot.

6. Spread 1 1/2 cups of pasta sauce evenly over the meat layer.

7. Distribute 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, then place half of the sliced pepperoni on top.

8. Layer again: the rest of the pasta, the remainder of the meat, the leftover pasta sauce, the mozzarella, and the pepperoni.

9. Crockpot covered Cook on Low 3-4 hours or until pasta is tender.

10. In the final 15 minutes of cooking, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, cover, and allow it to melt before serving.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large slow cooker (crockpot)
7. Ladle or large spoon

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?Certainly! You can opt for any of the short pastas, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just ensure that it is not cooked when you add it to the crockpot.
• Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?Indeed, browning the ground beef assists in the draining away of surplus fat and also contributes to the dish’s flavor.
• Can I substitute the pepperoni with another protein?For sure, you can use cooked chicken, sausage slices, or even a meat substitute to give it a different spin.
• How long should the casserole cook in the crockpot?Prepare the casserole by cooking it on low for approximately 3-4 hours. Wait until the pasta has become soft and tender before serving.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Indeed, leave out the ground beef and pepperoni. Think about adding even more vegetables, or a meat substitute, to ensure it stays as hearty as the original.
• Do I need to stir the casserole while it’s cooking?You don’t have to stir, but if you want to guarantee even cooking, you can give it a gentle stir halfway through.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?Indeed, you can use fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano; you just need to remember to use more of them to get a more intense flavor.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative, or go vegetarian with plant-based “ground beef.”
Turkey Pepperoni: This is a lower-fat alternative. Omit it for a vegetarian dish.
Minor-sized onion: For a more delicate flavor, use shallots. Opt for red onion if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
Green bell pepper: Substitute with red bell pepper for a sweeter taste; use yellow bell pepper for a milder flavor.
Sauce for pasta: For a different taste, you can use marinara or home-cooked sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Meat Thoroughly Make sure to brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and has developed a nice color. This adds depth of flavor. Drain excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

2. Sauté for Enhanced Flavor When adding the onions and green bell pepper, sauté them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.

3. Layer for Even Cooking When layering ingredients in the slow cooker, make sure each ingredient is spread out evenly. This ensures the pasta cooks uniformly and absorbs the flavors and moisture properly.

4. Prevent Pasta Clumping Before layering, you can toss the uncooked pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly in the slow cooker.

5. Cheese Blend Variation For a more robust flavor, consider mixing the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or a bit of sharp cheddar. This adds complexity and richness to the cheesy layers.