Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in one dish. Perfect for busy days, it cooks slowly to meld rich meats, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese into a satisfying pasta bake.
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
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the onions soften and the meat is no longer pink.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the pepperoni and minced garlic, cooking for 5 more minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Drain excess liquid from the meat mixture, then transfer it to a large bowl. Add the pizza sauce and stir to combine well.
- Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni to the bowl and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce and meat mixture.
- Step 7: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the slow cooker.
- Step 8: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Step 9: Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer.
- Step 10: Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 11: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while cooking.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or ziti if preferred; any sturdy pasta shape works well.
- Use spicy Italian sausage and jalapeños for a kick.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert the night before. Keep it refrigerated and cook according to directions the next day.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake this casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
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Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hrs 50 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a hearty and delicious slow-cooked pasta dish featuring rigatoni, seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this casserole combines all your favorite pizza flavors into a fuss-free, warming dinner cooked entirely in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound rigatoni
Meat & Vegetables
- 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
Sauce & Cheese
- 3 (14 ounce) jars pizza sauce
- 16 ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Meats and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up into crumbles. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and meat is no longer pink.
- Add Pepperoni and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the pepperoni and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Drain and Mix with Sauce: Drain the meat mixture well to remove excess fat, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the jars of pizza sauce and stir to combine completely.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Mixture: Add the cooked rigatoni to the meat sauce mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Remaining Layers: Place the rest of the pasta mixture on top of the first layer, and then add the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until warmed through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the meat mixture well to reduce excess grease in the casserole.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model.
- You can substitute rigatoni with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 3.5 hrs
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Crock pot pizza casserole, slow cooker pasta, easy casserole, Italian sausage pasta, comfort food, mozzarella cheese casserole, family dinner recipe
