There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pizza, and this Crockpot Pizza Casserole brings all of that deliciousness together in a warm, cheesy, and hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow-cooked casserole layers tender pasta, savory meats, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—just like your favorite pizza!

I first made this when I was craving pizza but wanted something a little heartier and more filling. After experimenting with a few ingredients, this dish quickly became a family favorite. It's a simple, hands-off meal that tastes like a classic pepperoni pizza in casserole form.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to slow cooker dinner. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza but in a cheesy, satisfying pasta bake.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown your meat, layer everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. No need to stand over a stove!
It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it makes great leftovers—if you have any!
The best part? It’s super customizable. Love supreme pizza? Add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Prefer a meat-lover’s version? Load it up with sausage, bacon, and ham. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, it’s kid-approved. Even picky eaters love this dish because it tastes just like their favorite pizza—but with extra cheesy goodness.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for an irresistible dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta: I recommend using rotini, penne, or rigatoni. These shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Cook the pasta to just al dente before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent mushiness.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Either works well for that classic pizza flavor. I love using Italian sausage because it adds extra seasoning and a bit of spice.
- Pepperoni slices: This gives the dish an authentic pizza taste. You can use regular or mini pepperoni—both melt beautifully into the casserole.
- Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality pizza sauce or marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can also mix in a little tomato paste for extra richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: The star of the dish! I highly recommend shredding fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts better.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the casserole.
- Italian seasoning & garlic: These enhance the overall pizza flavor, making it taste like it came straight from your favorite pizzeria.
You’ll also need a slow cooker (Crockpot)—I use a 6-quart model, which gives enough space for layering all the ingredients.
How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Making this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps, and in a few hours, you’ll have a cheesy, bubbly masterpiece!
1. Cook the Pasta and Brown the Meat
Start by cooking your pasta until it’s just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. If using sausage, break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with Italian seasoning and garlic.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Now comes the fun part—layering everything in your Crockpot! Start with a light layer of marinara sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, layer half the cooked pasta, followed by half of the cooked meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Repeat the layers until everything is used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese and pepperoni on top.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours—just until everything is melted, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy. The flavors will blend together beautifully as it simmers.
4. Let It Rest & Serve
Once done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions. Serve hot and enjoy the pizza-like goodness in every bite!
Storage Options
One of the best things about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is that it stores and reheats beautifully!
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm up portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is endlessly versatile! Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Meat Lovers Version: Add cooked bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage for extra protein and flavor.
- Supreme Pizza Style: Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives for a loaded casserole.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
- Cheese Lovers Twist: Mix in some cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a more complex cheese flavor.
No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is guaranteed to be a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
PrintCrockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe
This Crockpot Pizza Casserole recipe combines all the classic pizza flavors in a hearty, cheesy pasta dish made in the slow cooker. With layers of pepperoni, ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- In the crockpot, add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked beef mixture, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in water and mix again. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then layer with pepperoni slices.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Add mushrooms, olives, or other favorite pizza toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950 mg
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