Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Crock pot pizza casserole is an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, melty cheese, pepperoni, and noodles, this casserole is a pizza you eat with a spoon!

In all my time on Earth, I've never encountered anyone who doesn't love pizza. That's why I make this recipe so often. My family loves it, and it always goes fast at parties and potlucks.

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe

• It only uses a few simple ingredients.
• It's an easy slow cooker recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
• It freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.
• It tastes just like pepperoni pizza you eat with a spoon!

Ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Lean ground beef
• Yellow onion - diced
• Marinara sauce
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Garlic - minced
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Mozzarella cheese - shredded, divided
• Pepperoni

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

How to Make Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

1: Cook and drain the pasta and set it aside.

2: While the pasta cooks, cook the beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender.

3: Add the sauce, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings to the crockpot and mix.

4: Add the pasta, beef, half the mozzarella cheese, and the pepperoni and mix.

5: Cook until the casserole is cooked through. Top with the rest of the cheese and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

Hint

Cook the pasta to al dente and no further. This ensures the pasta won't get soggy and break apart as the casserole cooks.

Recipe Tips

• Pre-cook the penne pasta to just under al dente. It will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the crock pot, preventing it from becoming too mushy.
• Cook the beef until browned and no further. Overcooking it will make it rubbery.
• Use a high-quality marinara sauce as the base flavor of your casserole. It makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• Drain the canned diced tomatoes slightly if you prefer a thicker sauce consistency in your casserole.
• Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors and cheese settle to achieve the perfect melt.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a leaner option.
• Try adding any of your favorite pizza vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Provolone and parmesan can be mixed with the mozzarella for more flavor.
• Add all your favorite pizza meat toppings to make a meat lover's pizza casserole.
• Make this vegetarian by leaving out the meat and adding more vegetables.
• Use cauliflower florets or keto pasta for a keto version of this dish.

Storage

Cool the casserole to room temperature, then refrigerate it for up to 4 days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, freeze it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, defrost the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until heated through.