What You’ll Need – Simple Pantry Staples
You probably have most of these ingredients on hand, which makes this a great last-minute meal option.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne work best)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional, but highly recommended)
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional but adds color and freshness)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Casserole in a Crockpot
This is a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Follow these steps to assemble your pizza-inspired pasta bake in the slow cooker.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Transfer the cooked meat to the crockpot
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper directly into the crockpot. No need to pre-cook them — they’ll soften beautifully as they slow cook.
This step adds texture and flavor to the casserole, plus it sneaks in some extra veggies!
Step 3: Mix in the Pasta and Sauce
To the meat and veggies, add:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully coated and submerged in the sauce. This is important because the pasta needs to absorb liquid while it cooks — otherwise it may turn out underdone or dry.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Toppings
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture. Then add sliced pepperoni, if using. It gives the whole dish that unmistakable pizza flavor.
You can also add extras like:
- Black olives
- Sliced mushrooms
- Cooked bacon
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Don’t mix the cheese into the casserole at this point — it’ll create a cheesy layer that melts into the top.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly based on your slow cooker and pasta type.
✅ Check around the 4-hour mark. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, and the sauce should be bubbling slightly around the edges.
Step 6: Finish with More Cheese
About 5 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Put the lid back on and allow the cheese to melt completely.
Top with fresh basil, if using, for a burst of color and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole combines the best of both worlds: the hearty, saucy comfort of a baked pasta dish and the irresistible flavor of your favorite pepperoni pizza. Here’s why it’s a go-to meal for so many:
- Minimal prep – just brown the meat and toss everything in the crockpot
- Hands-off cooking – no need to monitor a stovetop or oven
- Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it
- Customizable – endless toppings and ingredient options
- Perfect for leftovers – reheats beautifully the next day
Tips & Tricks for the Best Crockpot Pizza Pasta
✅ Use a robust marinara sauce. It should be flavorful on its own, as it forms the base of your dish.
✅ Don’t overcook. Pasta can go from perfectly al dente to mushy if left too long. Start checking around 4 hours.
✅ Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded melts better and tastes richer.
✅ Add a layer of flavor. Try a drizzle of garlic butter over the top before serving — it takes this dish over the edge!
✅ Make it a meal. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete dinner.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 6 servings, here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: This may vary depending on specific brands or added toppings.
Ways to Switch It Up – Make It Yours
Want to customize your pizza casserole? Here are some fun variations to try:
Meat Lovers Edition
Add cooked bacon, Italian sausage, and pepperoni.
Veggie Supreme
Add mushrooms, black olives, zucchini, and spinach.
Cheesy Overload
Mix in ricotta or layer in cream cheese for a creamy version.
Low-Carb Option
Substitute pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles (add them halfway through cooking to avoid over-softening).
Leftovers & Reheating
Storage:
Cool leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Add a bit of extra sauce if it looks dry.
Freezer Option:
Freeze portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Wrapping It Up: A No-Stress Dinner Everyone Will Devour
In a world full of complicated dinner recipes, this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate reminder that great food doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a dump-and-go, slow-cooked wonder that delivers big flavor with little effort.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just trying to avoid takeout again, this dish is warm, hearty, and full of cheesy, saucy satisfaction. Bonus points for how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let dinner take care of itself. Trust me — the smell alone while it’s cooking will have your family asking, “Is it ready yet?”