There’s nothing better than coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Pizza Casserole bubbling away in the slow cooker. This hearty dish combines everything you love about pizza—savory sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings—into a satisfying pasta bake the whole family will love.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something easy but delicious. Since then, it’s become a go-to meal for game nights, potlucks, and even lazy Sundays. With minimal prep and tons of cheesy goodness, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into what makes this Crockpot Pizza Casserole so special!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite slow cooker meal. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that makes dinnertime a breeze.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown your meat, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work. No need to stand over the stove or worry about complicated steps!

It’s also budget-friendly. With simple pantry staples like pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Plus, this casserole is completely customizable. Love pepperoni? Add more! Prefer mushrooms and green peppers? Toss them in! You can mix and match your favorite pizza toppings to create your perfect dish.

Finally, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. While it simmers away, the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite taste like a slice of deep-dish pizza in pasta form.

Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious meal.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible pizza taste.

Pasta – I recommend using rotini or penne. Their shape holds onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Cook the pasta just until al dente before adding it to the crockpot.
Ground beef or Italian sausage – Either works well, but Italian sausage adds an extra punch of spice and flavor. If using sausage, be sure to drain any excess grease before mixing it in.
Pepperoni – This classic pizza topping gives the casserole its signature taste. For extra flavor, layer some pepperoni slices on top before serving.
Pizza sauce and marinara – A mix of both creates a well-balanced, rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Feel free to use your favorite brand or make your own.
Mozzarella cheese – The star of the show! Mozzarella gives the casserole its signature gooey, cheesy texture. Don’t be shy—more cheese is always better!
Bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives (optional) – If you love supreme-style pizza, add these veggies for extra flavor and texture.
Italian seasoning and garlic powder – These simple spices enhance the dish, making it taste just like a slice of your favorite pizza.

You’ll also need a slow cooker (at least 6 quarts) to cook everything to perfection. Now, let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Making this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the rest. Here’s how:

Cook the pasta – Boil your pasta until it’s just al dente. It will continue cooking in the slow cooker, so don’t overdo it! Drain and set aside.
Brown the meat – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Layer the ingredients – In your greased crockpot, start with a layer of sauce, followed by pasta, cooked meat, pepperoni, and cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese.
Slow cook to perfection – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The flavors will meld together, and the cheese will be deliciously melted.
Serve and enjoy – Garnish with extra pepperoni and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This casserole takes about 10 minutes of prep and then simmers away, leaving you free to relax while it cooks!

Storage Options

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer – Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Meat Lovers’ Version – Add bacon, ham, and extra sausage for a heartier take on this dish.
Veggie Delight – Swap the meat for extra mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Option – Substitute pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream – Mix in some cheddar, provolone, or ricotta for extra cheesy goodness.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!