There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hot Crockpot Pizza Casserole filling your kitchen. This family-friendly recipe combines all of the flavors of pizza with the benefit of a slow cooker, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or informal gatherings.
I first found this dish whereas looking for a crowd-pleasing meal to serve at a potluck. Little did I do know it will turn into a staple in my family, incomes rave critiques from each youngsters and adults alike. Ready so as to add this to your menu? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Get able to fall in love with a recipe that delivers all of the best components of pizza in a fuss-free, comforting casserole.
First, this dish is extremely straightforward to arrange. With just a bit of prep, the slow cooker does all of the work, releasing you up for the remainder of your day.
Next, it’s excellent for feeding a crowd. The hearty mixture of pasta, cheese, and pizza toppings stretches to serve loads of hungry mouths, making it supreme for household dinners or potlucks.
Another spotlight? It’s customizable! From pepperoni and sausage to veggies and different cheeses, you can tailor this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have available.
And lastly, it’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on taste. Using easy, everyday substances means you may get pleasure from a do-it-yourself pizza-inspired meal without breaking the budget
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the substances that make this dish shine.
Ingredients:
1 lb floor sausage or beef
8 oz pepperoni slices
12 oz raw pasta (rotini or penne)
24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped bell peppers (elective)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Cook pasta till al dente. Drain and put aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and bell peppers. Add floor sausage and cook until browned.
In a gradual cooker, layer cooked pasta, meat combination, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Repeat layers till substances are used up.
Sprinkle the highest with additional cheese and Italian seasoning.
Cover and cook dinner on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Serve sizzling and revel in!
Notes
Add your favourite pizza toppings, like mushrooms, olives, or spinach, for personalisation.
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Ingredients Notes
The fantastic thing about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole lies in its approachable substances, every enjoying a key function in delivering that impossible to resist pizza taste.
Pasta: I like to recommend utilizing rotini or penne. Their ridged surfaces hold onto the sauce and toppings fantastically. Cook them till al dente, earlier than adding them to the slow cooker to make sure they don’t overcook.
Pizza Sauce: An excellent-quality pizza sauce is important for this recipe. Choose one with a taste profile you like, as will probably be the muse of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may even combine in a little bit of marinara for added depth.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the star right here, offering that traditional gooey texture. Feel free so as to add some shredded Parmesan for an additional layer of tacky goodness.
Meats: Pepperoni slices and cooked Italian sausage carry the daring, savory flavors of pizza to life. You can go for turkey sausage or plant-based substitutes for a lighter model.
Vegetables: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions are incredible add-ins for a veggie-packed twist. Be certain to sauté any veggies beforehand to keep away from extra moisture within the casserole.
You’ll additionally want a trusty crockpot to make this dish. A 6-quart mannequin works completely for the portion sizes listed on this recipe.
How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Creating this dish is so simple as layering your substances and letting the crockpot work its magic. Here’s how you can do it:
Start by cooking your pastatill simply al dente. Drain and toss it with a small quantity of olive oil to forestall sticking whilst you put together the opposite parts.
Next, cook your Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain any extra grease and set it aside.
In the crockpot, begin with a layer of pizza sauce to forestall sticking. Then, start layering your substances: a portion of the cooked pasta, a sprinkle of sausage, a handful of pepperoni slices, and a beneficiant layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers till all substances are used, ending with a high layer of cheese and pepperoni.
Set the crockpot to low and let it cook dinner for about 3-4 hours, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma can be irresistible because the flavors meld collectively throughout cooking.
When it’s prepared, scoop out hearty parts of this tacky, savory casserole and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for an entire meal.
Storage Options
If you have got leftovers (although that’s uncommon in my home), this casserole sstoresfantastically.
Transfer any cooled leftovers to an hermetic container and refrigerate for as much as 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze particular person parts in freezer-safe containers or baggage for as much as 3 months.
Reheating is straightforward—simply microwave particular person parts till heated by means of or reheat bigger servings within the oven at 350°F till warmed. If frozen, enable it to thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it's scrumptious, so don’t be afraid to get inventive!
Swap out the pepperoni and sausage for cooked chicken, ground turkey, or a vegetarianalternativet like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Use a mixture of cheeses, reminiscent of Monterey Jack or cheddar, so as to add new taste dimensions.
For a gluten-free choice, select gluten-free pasta and double-check your pizza sauce for hidden gluten substances.
Add some warmth with a sprinkle of crushed pink pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in your layers.
Turn it right into a veggie lover’s dream by loading up on sautéed zucchini, spinach, or artichokes.
The prospects are infinite, making this recipe one you may get pleasure from many times with a recent twist every time.
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is certain to turn into a household favourite, combining one of the best components of pizza and pasta in a single straightforward, comforting dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special day, you’ll love how this recipe brings everybody collectively across the desk. Enjoy!
