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Crockpot Pizza Casserole: A Hearty and Easy Meal Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a hearty and easy meal combining the flavors of classic pizza in a comforting, slow-cooked pasta dish. Ground beef or Italian sausage is browned with onions and garlic, then mixed with pasta, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and optional veggies before slow cooking to perfection. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • About 1 cup water (if needed to cook pasta)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the crockpot. Add 1 (24 oz) jar of pizza sauce, 2 cups of uncooked pasta, 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped bell pepper and sliced mushrooms if using, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine well.
  3. Add Water: Add about 1 cup of water to ensure the pasta cooks properly and absorbs enough liquid. Stir again to distribute evenly.
  4. Set the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked, creating a thick and flavorful casserole.
  5. Top with Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot and allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
  6. Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, you can gently stir the casserole if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious Crockpot Pizza Casserole.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms and bell peppers or omit them based on preference.
  • If the casserole seems too thick or dry during cooking, add a little more water or pizza sauce as needed.
  • Using Italian sausage instead of ground beef adds extra flavor and a spicier kick.
  • This dish can be prepared the night before by browning the meat and prepping ingredients, then cooking in the crockpot the next day.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

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Find it online: https://internetfamousfood.com/crockpot-pizza-casserole-a-hearty-and-easy-meal-recipe/