There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pizza in an easy, hands-off meal. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole combines all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a baked pasta dish.
I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick, filling, and guaranteed to please my family. Since then, it's become a go-to dinner, especially on nights when I need a meal that practically cooks itself.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with this effortless, flavor-packed dish. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has something for everyone.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. No complicated steps, no standing over the stove—just dump, stir, and wait for the delicious results.
This dish is also perfect for pizza lovers. It’s loaded with gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce that will remind you of your favorite pizzeria. But unlike traditional pizza, this casserole requires zero dough preparation!
Another bonus? It’s budget-friendly and customizable. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers while still delivering a mouthwatering meal.
And let’s not forget that leftovers reheat beautifully. If you have any left (which is rare in my house), this dish tastes just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients. Every component brings something special to the table, ensuring a rich and satisfying flavor.
Pasta forms the base of this casserole, giving it that hearty, comforting texture. I love using rotini or penne because their ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand.
For the sauce, I recommend a high-quality marinara or pizza sauce. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so pick a brand you love—or make your own if you're feeling ambitious! Adding a pinch of Italian seasoning can enhance the taste even more.
Ground beef or Italian sausage adds a savory, meaty depth to the dish. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works well too, though it won’t have quite the same richness.
No pizza-inspired dish is complete without pepperoni! It brings a bold, zesty kick that makes every bite taste like a slice of pizza. Feel free to mix in other toppings like cooked bacon, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize it to your liking.
Finally, let’s talk about cheese. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives you the perfect balance of melty, gooey goodness with a touch of sharpness. If you love extra-cheesy casseroles, don’t be afraid to add an extra handful!
For equipment, you’ll need a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts) to ensure everything cooks evenly. A nonstick spray or slow cooker liner can also help with easy cleanup.
How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Making this Crockpot Pizza Casserole couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy masterpiece ready to serve.
Start by cooking your pasta. Boil it until it’s just slightly undercooked (about a minute less than the package instructions). Since the pasta will continue cooking in the slow cooker, this prevents it from becoming too soft.
While the pasta is cooking, brown your ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease and season it lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Now comes the fun part—layering everything in the crockpot! Begin with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Then add half of the pasta, half of the cooked meat, a handful of cheese, and a few slices of pepperoni. Repeat these layers until everything is used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese and extra pepperoni on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Once done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up and makes scooping out portions much easier. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Options
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is just as good the next day—if not better! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re meal-prepping, portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating a larger portion, bake it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to customize it to your taste.
Meat Lovers’ Version – Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to make this dish extra hearty. A mix of meats gives it a loaded pizza feel!
Veggie-Packed – If you want a healthier version, throw in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach. They add texture and flavor while sneaking in some extra nutrients.
Low-Carb Option – Swap out the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to cut down on carbs while still keeping that delicious pizza flavor.
Extra Spicy – Love a little heat? Mix in red pepper flakes, hot Italian sausage, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Different Cheese Combinations – While mozzarella is the classic choice, try cheddar, provolone, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist. A little ricotta mixed in also makes it extra creamy!
No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy the easiest way to satisfy your pizza cravings!
PrintCrockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, hearty dish loaded with pasta, pepperoni, ground beef, and rich marinara sauce. A slow cooker favorite that delivers all the delicious flavors of pizza in an easy, comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned; drain excess grease.
- In the crockpot, layer half of the pasta, followed by half of the cooked beef, half of the pepperoni, and half of the marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers and top with diced tomatoes. Add 1 cup of water to ensure moisture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover until melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter version.
- Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
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