Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves!

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Everyone Loves!

Looking for a simple family-friendly dinner recipe that doesn’t disappoint? Great! We’ve got ya covered. We certainly, don’t have time to try a million recipes hoping one will work for everybody’s tastebuds, and we’re sure you don’t either! We serve this yummy Tater Tot Casserole all the time. However, the all-time favorite is this Crockpot Pizza Casserole. It’s a winner for everyone in our house and we’re sure it will be in yours too!

With the crowd-pleasing taste of pizza and the ease of your crockpot, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights.

A few of our kids are pizza addicts. They would eat it several times a week if we’d let them…heck we would too! This recipe satisfies their pizza craving, and since we throw in whole wheat noodles and veggies, it a lot healthier – we just don’t tell them 🙂

 

This literally is one of the easiest recipes. Not only do we make it on busy nights, but we also take it to potluck get-togethers because everyone loves it!

If you’ve got pizza lovers at home, you should also try this Crock Pot Deep Dish Pizza!

Ingredients for Crockpot Pizza Casserole

The basic ingredients for this slow cooker recipe are below. The shredded zucchini is optional, but a great way to increase the nutritional value and hide some veggies for the kiddos 🙂

• 1/2 pound of ground Italian sausage (browned and drained)
• 1 pound of ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1/2 large white onion (diced)
• 8-ounce box of short whole wheat pasta (rigatoni, penne or ziti), undercooked slightly
• 2 (14 ounce) jars of marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small zucchini, shredded (optional)
• 8-ounce package of sliced pepperoni (placed between paper towels and microwaved for a few seconds to remove extra grease)
• 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

 

You can certainly use just ground beef or ground turkey, but the recipe may not be as flavor-packed. 

How to Make Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole

Ok, let’s get the crockpot (or slow cooker) out and get started!

Before you brown the meat, put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Follow the instruction for the pasta, but slightly undercook it for best results in the crockpot. While the pasta is cooking, brown and then drain the meat.

Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray and place all ingredients in the crockpot except 1/3 of the cheese and mix well.

Top with remaining cheese and set it to cook for 3 – 4 hours. Our crockpot works well, so 3 hours was plenty.

This is the crockpot we use – it’s held up year after year.

Note: You can also cook this recipe in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes if you don’t have time for the slow cooking process. 

Can I Use Different Pizza Topping for this Casserole?

Yes, you can customize this pizza casserole with the toppings of your choice! Depending on what you choose you to want to make sure the toppings are cooked before they go in the crockpot.

• Swap out the mild Italian sausage for spicy. 
• Instead of pepperoni, try Canadian bacon or salami. 
• Use the cheese of your choice, provolone would also be a good one. 

Can I freeze This Pizza Casserole?

You can absolutely freeze any leftover Crockpot Pizza Casserole. First, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container, label and then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To defrost, take it out of the freezer the night before, and reheat in oven-safe dish or microwave. 

More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwichs
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Tips for Cooking Crockpot Pizza Pasta

• Use short but sturdy pasta like ziti, rigatoni or penne.
• We don’t recommend cooking this recipe on high as it may burn.
• Regular pasta can be substituted for the whole wheat if that’s what your family prefers.
• You can add some shredded veggies like carrot or zucchini for an added nutrition boost.
• Store any leftover (if there is any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a wonderful leftover lunch the next day.

 

(this version is made with spiral pasta)

What To Serve with Crockpot Pizza Casserole

• Serve with a green salad and dinner is done! 
• Make some crispy garlic bread and you’d be in heaven!
• A side of green beans, broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts would also go nicely. 

 

If you try Crock Pot Pizza Casserole or any other recipe on Suburban Simplicity, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let us know how it went in the comments below, we love hearing from you! Better yet, use the hashtag  #suburbansimplicity if you make the recipe.

You can also FOLLOW US  FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food, fun crafts + DIYs!

 

Updated with enhanced instructions and tips on December 7, 2019. 

 

 

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