Crockpot pizza casserole takes all the flavors of your favorite sausage and pepperoni pizza and spins them into a hearty casserole. This cozy, delicious dish combines rigatoni pasta, creamy tomato sauce and savory meat, and it’s slow-cooked on low for a few hours, allowing all the ingredients to meld together perfectly. It’s everything you love about pizza, but this time in casserole form.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole
- Rigatoni: We like tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni in this recipe because it holds sauces well.
- Ground beef:Â Use lean ground beef for a healthier alternative.
- Onion:Â When sauteing the onion with the beef, allow it to get fully translucent and soft before adding it to the casserole; it won’t cook down further once it’s been added to the other ingredients.
- Part-skim mozzarella cheese:Â This cheese has a lower fat content and also browns better than full-fat mozzarella.
- Pizza sauce: Using store-bought is fine here, but you can also make your own pizza sauce to have on hand for dishes like this (the difference in flavor is worth it).
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup:Â A non-negotiable ingredient, cream of mushroom soup adds richness, creaminess and flavor. You’ll add it in this recipe without diluting it.
- Sliced pepperoni:Â Pepperoni gives this casserole a nice heat, but feel free to add sauteed mushrooms, olives or another topping instead if you’d prefer.
- Fresh basil or arugula (optional): Fresh herbs like basil and/or chopped fresh arugula give this dish an earthy kick.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta and meat
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the liquid.
Step 2: Stir in the other ingredients
Drain the pasta and place it in a 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in the beef mixture, cheese, pizza sauce, soup and pepperoni.
Step 3: Cover and cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook the casserole on low for two to three hours or until heated through. If desired, top with basil or arugula before serving.
Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole Variations
- Add or substitute vegetables:Â Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped spinach, artichoke hearts or broccoli.
- Make it vegetarian: Sub plant-based meat for the ground beef, if desired.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole
After making the Crockpot pizza casserole, let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will last for up to four days. When you want to reheat it, stick it in the oven on low until it’s cooked all the way through.
Can you freeze Crockpot pizza casserole?
Yes. Just make sure it’s in freezer-safe containers, completely sealed off. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.
Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole Tips
Can I add raw meat to this casserole instead of sauteing it beforehand?
In a word, no. You should always cook meat before adding it to any casserole, as this will ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this casserole in the oven?
Yes. Preheat the oven to 375° and bake it (covered in foil) for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and broil it on high for a couple more minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
What should I serve with Crockpot pizza casserole?
Pizza casserole in the Crockpot is on the heavier side, so serve it with something light and healthy, like a garden salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
