There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pizza combined with the ease of a slow cooker meal. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving a cheesy, meaty, and saucy dish that tastes just like your favorite slice.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a simple, kid-friendly meal that I could set and forget. Now, it's a staple in our home, bringing together all the best pizza flavors in one hearty, satisfying dish. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for an easy make-ahead dinner, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole combines everything you love about pizza with the ease of slow cooking, making dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No standing over the stove, no complicated steps—just layer, cook, and enjoy.
It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a potluck, or just a big family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The combination of pasta, sauce, cheese, and toppings makes it irresistibly good.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s customizable. You can switch up the toppings just like a regular pizza! Add extra veggies, swap out meats, or make it spicy with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
And let's not forget leftovers—if you have any! This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish taste like a slice of pizza in every bite.
Pasta – I recommend using rotini or penne because their ridges help trap the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, as it may become too soft in the slow cooker.
Ground Beef or Sausage – For a rich, hearty flavor, I love using Italian sausage. It adds a little spice and extra depth, but you can also use ground beef for a milder taste. Want to lighten it up? Try ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Pizza Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – A combination of pizza sauce and canned diced tomatoes creates the perfect base. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use marinara instead. You can also add a bit of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Mozzarella Cheese – What’s pizza without cheese? Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture. I recommend grating your own for the best melt, but pre-shredded works fine too.
Pepperoni & Other Toppings – Classic pepperoni adds that signature pizza flavor, but feel free to get creative! Add mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or even cooked bacon for extra variety. Just like making a pizza, the toppings are totally up to you!
Special Equipment – You’ll need a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts) to accommodate all the ingredients. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, you may want to check the casserole early to prevent overcooking.
How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Creating this delicious Crockpot Pizza Casserole is as easy as layering your favorite pizza flavors into a slow cooker. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Start by cooking the pasta just until al dente. Since it will continue cooking in the slow cooker, you don’t want it too soft. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, then drain any excess grease. This step helps keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Next, it’s time to layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Start with a thin layer of pizza sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta. Then, add half of the ground beef or sausage, half of the diced tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese and pepperoni slices on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until everything is heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted. If you like a little crispy cheese on top, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes or transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes.
Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Storage Options
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh.
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!
Freezer – For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm leftovers in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of marinara or broth before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun ways to switch it up.
Meat Lovers Version – Add cooked bacon, ham, and crumbled sausage for an ultra-hearty version that’s packed with flavor.
Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. You can also add spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Spicy Kick – If you like a little heat, mix in some red pepper flakes, spicy Italian sausage, or jalapeño slices.
Cheesy Upgrade – Mix different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for an even richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Alternative – Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your pizza sauce and toppings are gluten-free.
With endless ways to make this dish your own, you’ll never get bored of Crockpot Pizza Casserole. Try out different toppings and flavors, and have fun experimenting with your perfect combination!
PrintCrockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, comforting dish loaded with pasta, pepperoni, ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- In a greased slow cooker, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Top with pepperoni slices and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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