This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole brings together all the flavors you love from pizza — melty cheese, savory sauce, hearty pasta, and tender meat — in one effortless slow cooker meal. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without standing over the stove. Just layer, set, and let your slow cooker do the work!
Why This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Belongs in Your Rotation
Think of this recipe as a cross between baked ziti and a supreme pizza, only easier. The combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella gives it a bold, crowd-pleasing flavor, while the slow cooking makes everything meld together beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with that unmistakable “pizza night” aroma, but without the mess or stress.
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe
A hearty, family-friendly slow cooker dinner that combines tender rigatoni, savory meats, and gooey melted cheese, all the comfort of pizza in casserole form. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3.5-ounce package pepperoni
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (14-ounce) jars pizza sauce
- 16-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray, then set it aside. - Cook the pasta:
Boil rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
(Tip: Don’t overcook; it will finish softening in the slow cooker.) - Brown the meats:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and sausage with the diced onion, breaking up the meat into crumbles. Stir occasionally until onions soften and no pink remains. - Add the flavor boosters:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in pepperoni and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to release all that savory flavor. - Combine everything:
Drain excess fat. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, pour in the pizza sauce, and stir to coat. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly combined. - Layer in the slow cooker:
- Add half of the pasta mixture to the prepared slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Cook to perfection:
Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and enjoy:
Spoon into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley (if using), and serve hot.
Notes
- Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily tailor this recipe to your family’s favorites:
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Go veggie: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Add toppings: Try sliced olives or diced ham for a “supreme” casserole vibe.
- Swap the cheese: Use provolone or an Italian blend for a creamier texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
- Cook pasta al dente. It continues to soften in the slow cooker, so slightly firm pasta ensures a perfect texture.
- Drain the meat well. Extra grease can make the sauce too rich and oily.
- Layer evenly. This helps the cheese melt uniformly and prevents clumps.
- Don’t lift the lid early! Keeping the lid on traps heat and ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
- Finish with a broil (optional). If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot pizza casserole?
It’s a slow-cooker casserole that combines cooked pasta, pizza sauce, meats, and cheese, essentially a “pizza-flavored” baked pasta made with minimal effort.
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crock Pot?
“Crock Pot” is a brand name for a type of slow cooker. Both work the same way, simmering food at low temperatures to blend flavors and tenderize ingredients.
Can you do a casserole in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are great for casseroles because they let flavors develop over hours and keep dishes warm for serving.
What is a pizza casserole?
A pizza casserole takes classic pizza ingredients — sauce, cheese, meat, and toppings — and layers them with pasta or rice for a hearty, bake-style dish.
To Sum Up
This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza night, warm, cheesy, and comforting —just easier. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you want a hands-off meal that everyone will devour.
Share it with your favorite pizza lover, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next weeknight rotation!
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. (Tip: Don’t overcook — it will finish softening in the slow cooker.)
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and sausage with the diced onion, breaking up the meat into crumbles. Stir occasionally until onions soften and no pink remains.
- Add the flavor boosters: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in pepperoni and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to release all that savory flavor.
- Combine everything: Drain excess fat. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, pour in the pizza sauce, and stir to coat. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly combined.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Add half of the pasta mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cook to perfection: Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley (if using), and serve hot.
Notes
- Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving.
