Print

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 11 reviews

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main course featuring layers of rigatoni pasta, seasoned ground beef, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection for a deliciously cheesy and flavorful meal.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

To Cook

  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups pizza sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni slices
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables soften. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the Crockpot. Top with half of the meat mixture, then pour half of the pizza sauce and drained diced tomatoes evenly over the meat. Add half of the pepperoni slices, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the top.
  5. Layer the Remaining Ingredients: Repeat the layering process using the remaining pasta, meat mixture, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, pepperoni, and cheeses, finishing with cheese on top.
  6. Cook the Casserole: Cover and set the Crockpot to low heat. Cook for 3 to 4 hours until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushy pasta.
  7. Serve: Once done, serve the casserole hot. Garnish with extra pepperoni slices, fresh basil leaves, or additional red pepper flakes if desired for enhanced flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook in the Crockpot to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • You can use other types of pasta if rigatoni is not available, but adjust boiling time accordingly.
  • For a spicier casserole, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Cheddar cheese is optional; feel free to omit for a milder flavor or use a different cheese blend.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/crockpot-pizza-casserole-recipe/