Description

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is everything you love about a hearty, cheesy pizza night made hands-off in your slow cooker. Tender rotini pasta, savory meat sauce, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni all simmer together for hours, developing rich, comforting flavor. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) pizza sauce
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
8 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) rotini pasta, uncooked
1 cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or extra Italian seasoning, for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot. Add the chopped bell pepper, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine well.
Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of water (or broth) and stir thoroughly, making sure most of the pasta is coated and submerged in the sauce.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir once about halfway through if possible to prevent sticking around the edges.
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then layer on the sliced pepperoni.
Cover again and cook just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10–15 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, if desired.

Notes

If using a very hot slow cooker, begin checking the pasta early to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
Different pizza sauces vary in thickness and saltiness; adjust water and seasoning to taste.
For a slightly saucier casserole, add an extra 1/2 cup of pizza sauce or a splash more water/broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–3 hours on HIGH)
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
Sugar: 7 g (approx.)
Sodium: 980 mg (approx., depending on sauce and pepperoni)
Fat: 23 g (approx.)
Saturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g (approx.)
Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
Carbohydrates: 38 g (approx.)
Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
Protein: 25 g (approx.)
Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)

Keywords: crockpot pizza casserole, slow cooker pizza pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake, family-friendly casserole