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A bubbling crockpot pizza casserole ready to serve

Classic Crockpot Pizza Casserole

A delicious and easy slow-cooked pizza casserole featuring pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese, perfect for a hearty family meal. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of pizza in a convenient crockpot dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat & Veggies
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a blend of both), browned and drained
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
Sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta & Broth
  • 3 cups dry pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni), uncooked
  • 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Cheese & Toppings
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • favorite pizza toppings pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, extra peppers, etc.
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese Optional: for extra creaminess

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • slow cooker

Method
 

Brown Meat & Sauté Veggies
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage and drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened for 5-7 minutes.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
  1. Transfer the cooked meat and vegetables to your slow cooker.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Pasta & Broth
  1. Add the dry pasta to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly to coat it in the sauce.
  2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If using, stir in cream cheese until mostly melted and combined.
Slow Cook
  1. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours.
  2. Stir occasionally during the last hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender.
Add Cheese & Toppings
  1. Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  2. Add your desired pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, on top of the cheese.
Melt & Serve
  1. Cover again and cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
  2. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set.

Notes

For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried herbs. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.