Easy Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Weeknight Meal
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and family-friendly dinner loaded with all your favorite pizza flavors. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Imagine the irresistible taste of your favorite pizza, transformed into a comforting, bubbling pasta bake, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. That’s exactly what you get with this amazing Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and loads of melted mozzarella cheese, all topped with classic pepperoni. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to layer the ingredients, set your crockpot, and return hours later to a perfectly cooked, delicious meal.
Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply craving an easy yet satisfying dinner, this Crockpot Pizza Pasta is an absolute game-changer. It’s not only incredibly hearty and filling but also remarkably versatile. You can easily customize it with your family’s preferred pizza toppings, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. Forget complicated recipes – this hands-off approach ensures a stress-free cooking experience without compromising on flavor.
Our household has a deep-seated love for all things pizza. We frequently whip up creative takes like Pepperoni Pizza Burgers, indulgent Pizza Quesadillas, and quick One Pan Pizza Chicken. And of course, I always keep a batch of easy No Knead Pizza Dough in the freezer for those times when only a traditional pizza pie will truly satisfy. Sometimes, a super simple Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is all it takes to call it a delicious night. No matter how we serve up the glorious combination of mozzarella, savory tomato sauce, and spicy pepperoni, there are rarely any leftovers to store.
But my absolute favorite iteration lately has been this fantastic Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole. It truly stands out as one of the most effortless and hands-off recipes I know. It delivers all the beloved flavors of pizza in a comforting pasta dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple for any busy family looking for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Casserole
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Italian Sausage – This is the backbone of flavor for our pizza casserole. You can choose mild Italian sausage for a classic taste, or opt for spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a little kick. Ground beef or turkey can also be used for a different flavor profile or to lighten the dish.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. White or yellow onions work best here.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic cloves are non-negotiable for the best flavor! They infuse the meat and sauce with an incredible aroma and savory punch that dried garlic simply can’t replicate.
- Pasta – The key to a great casserole is the right pasta shape. Use any short-cut pasta with a hollow center, such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni. These shapes are perfect because they allow the sauce, meat, and cheese to nestle inside, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and preventing the ingredients from settling at the bottom. Make sure to use uncooked, dry pasta as it will cook in the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Pizza Sauce – Grab your favorite store-bought pizza sauce to keep things simple. You’ll need a few jars to ensure enough moisture and flavor for the pasta to cook properly and to create that classic pizza taste.
- Pepperoni – A classic pizza topping! You can use pre-packaged pepperoni slices for convenience, or splurge on higher-quality deli-sliced pepperoni for an extra burst of flavor. For a lighter option, turkey pepperoni works wonderfully and still delivers that iconic taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese – What’s pizza without gooey, melted mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella is ideal for layering throughout the casserole, ensuring a rich, cheesy experience in every forkful. You can also mix in a bit of provolone or Parmesan for added complexity.
- Water – A crucial ingredient that provides the necessary liquid for the pasta to cook perfectly tender in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it softens.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Making this incredible Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a hearty meal that practically makes itself:
- Brown the Meat Mixture. Begin by removing the casing if your Italian sausage has one, then crumble the sausage into a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these ingredients over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, the onion is softened, and the garlic is fragrant. This step is essential for building a deep flavor base. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Layer the Ingredients. Now it’s time to assemble your casserole in the slow cooker. Start by pouring approximately one-third of the uncooked, dry pasta into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates the first layer of carbohydrates that will absorb all the wonderful flavors. Next, evenly spread one jar of pizza sauce over the pasta, followed by one-third of your browned meat mixture, one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and one-third of the pepperoni slices. Repeat this layering process two more times until all of your ingredients—pasta, sauce, meat, cheese, and pepperoni—are used up.
- Add Water and Cook. After layering, carefully pour the measured water over the entire casserole. This water, combined with the pizza sauce, will provide the liquid needed for the pasta to cook to al dente perfection. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 3-4 hours. The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker’s efficiency, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is ready when the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey throughout. You want it hot and delicious!
Recipe Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Pizza Casserole
To ensure your Crockpot Pizza Casserole turns out absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
- Prep Ahead for Maximum Convenience. For ultimate ease on a busy day, you can brown the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic the day before. After cooking and draining the fat, let the mixture cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, all your main components are ready to go, and you can simply layer and cook when you’re ready. This significantly cuts down on active prep time on cooking day.
- Monitor for Doneness. Slow cookers can vary greatly in their cooking times. While 3-4 hours on low is a good guideline, it’s wise to check your casserole around the 2.5-hour mark, especially if you know your slow cooker runs hot. Since the sausage is already cooked, you’re primarily waiting for the pasta to become tender and the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, and the cheese is perfectly gooey, your casserole is done. If it finishes early, you can switch your slow cooker to the “warm” setting until you’re ready to serve, ensuring it stays hot without overcooking.
- Unleash Your Inner Pizza Chef: Customize Your Toppings. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings directly into the layers of the casserole or sprinkle them on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Delicious additions include sliced black olives, sautéed bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even different types of cooked sausage or ham. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warmth, or a dash of dried oregano and basil can boost the Italian flavors.
- Low Carb & Veggie-Packed Variations. If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates, you have a couple of excellent options. You can swap traditional pasta for a vegetable-based pasta alternative (like chickpea or lentil pasta, though cooking times may vary) or skip the pasta altogether. This recipe is robust enough to stand on its own as a hearty, meat-and-veggie bake. To bulk it up without pasta, add extra diced tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. You might need to reduce the water slightly if omitting pasta.
- Boost the Flavor with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the flavors and add a vibrant touch.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is key, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can add depth.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is incredibly filling and satisfying on its own, making it a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or add a fresh counterpoint, a few simple sides can elevate the experience:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread – This classic pairing is a must-have for any pasta dish. Air fryer garlic bread is done in minutes, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, it’s absolutely perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious pizza sauce from your plate.
- Easy Parmesan Garlic Knots – Elevate your pizza night! Many pizzeria experiences aren’t complete without an order of warm, buttery garlic knots. Making them yourself at home is a fun and rewarding activity that can easily rival your favorite restaurant’s offering, even on a busy weeknight.
- Simple Tossed Salad – When time is of the essence, a fresh, crisp salad is always a great choice. A simple tossed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole and adds essential nutrients without much effort.
- Copycat Crazy Bread – For fans of the famous Little Caesar’s breadsticks, this homemade version is a revelation. It’s incredibly easy to make, far more flavorful than the restaurant version, and perfectly complements the pizza casserole with its garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: For a simple vegetable side, quickly steam some green beans or broccoli florets. A squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt are all you need to create a healthy and vibrant accompaniment.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out its natural sweetness and provides another excellent green vegetable option that pairs well with the Italian flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many advantages of this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is that it makes fantastic leftovers. If you happen to have any left (which is rare in our house!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy it again later.
Store any leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. For best flavor and texture, avoid letting it sit at room temperature for too long.
The ideal way to reheat this casserole is in the oven. Transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe baking dish. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through, the cheese is re-melted, and the edges are bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but the oven method generally yields a better texture, especially for the cheese.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to discover more simple and satisfying slow cooker meals. Here are some of our other family favorites that offer maximum flavor with minimal effort:
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy.
- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: An easy and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s great served over rice with steamed vegetables.
- Crock Pot Potato Soup: Creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, this soup is a cozy meal on its own or paired with a sandwich.
- Beef and Noodles Soup: A comforting, old-fashioned soup packed with tender beef, hearty noodles, and savory broth.
- Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole: A fantastic side dish or breakfast-for-dinner option, loaded with cheesy potatoes and super simple to make.
Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried uncooked pasta
- 3 14 oz jars pizza sauce
- 1 5 oz package pepperoni
- 2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown Italian sausage, onion, and garlic together.1 pound Italian Sausage, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic
- In slow cooker pour in 1/3 of the pasta. Top with 1 jar of pizza sauce, 1/3 of meat mixture, 1/3 of the cheese, and 1/3 of the pepperoni. Repeat with the rest o the ingredients.1 pound dried uncooked pasta, 3 14 oz jars pizza sauce, 2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, 1 5 oz package pepperoni
- Pour 2/3 water over the casserole.2/3 cup water
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. My slow cooker is very fast, and it was done at 3 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.