Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This crazy easy slow cooker pizza casserole combines pasta, beef, pepperoni, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for the ultimate comforting meal. Just toss the ingredients in the cooker, give it a stir, then let it do its thing.
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Craving comfort food but don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen? This amazing Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is the perfect lazy weekend meal.
All your favorite pizza toppings like beef, pepperoni, tomato sauce and gooey cheese come together in the slow cooker for a hands-off dinner that's ready when you are.
Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning and you'll have a hot, hearty casserole bubbling away by dinnertime.
Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, saucy creation that combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of one-pot cooking.
Turn on the crockpot and relax - dinner is taken care of!
INGREDIENTS for Pizza Casserole
- Cooked pasta: I like to use Campanelli or elbow pasta for this recipe, but any type of pasta will work. Just make sure it is cooked al dente so that it doesn't get mushy in the slow cooker.
- Browned ground beef
- Dried minced onions: This is optional, but I like to add a little bit of dried minced onions to give the casserole more flavor.
- Pizza sauce: I like to use a jar of pizza sauce for this recipe, but you can also make your own if you prefer.
- Cream of mushroom soup: You can use any brand of cream of mushroom soup you like, including homemade.
- Sliced pepperoni: Adjust to your tastes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: You can shred your own or use pre-shredded.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER PEPPERONI CASSEROLE
Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
In the slow cooker, stir together the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, dried minced onions, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, ¾ of the mozzarella cheese and most of the pepperoni.
Smooth out the top. Top with the remaining pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve hot and enjoy!
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST SLOW COOKER PEPPERONI CASSEROLE
Here are some tips and tricks for making the Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole:
- For best results, be sure to thoroughly cook the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use cooked pasta that has been drained well. Too much extra liquid from the pasta can make the casserole soggy.
- Go heavy handed with the mozzarella cheese. You can never have too much melted cheese!
- For extra toppings, feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms or any other favorite pizza ingredients.
- Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set up and the cheese to firm up slightly.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and make great leftovers for easy lunches.
STORAGE AND LEFTOVERS
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating any leftovers.
- Store cut portions of the casserole in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Leftovers will keep fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Using Leftovers:
- Reheat portions in the microwave in 30 second intervals until hot and bubbly.
- You can also place it in the oven at 350F to reheat for about 15ish minutes or until heated through.
- Slice leftovers and serve open-faced on toasted bread for pizza sandwiches.
- Crumble leftovers over a salad for a hearty lunch.
- Use leftovers as a topping for baked potatoes.
WHAT TO PAIR WITH SLOW COOKER PEPPERONI CASSEROLE
Here are some delicious options to pair with this pizza casserole.
- Garlic Bread - A crusty loaf brushed with garlic butter is the perfect companion to soak up all the cheesy sauce.
- Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine, croutons and Parmesan provide a great side dish.
- Green Salad - Mixed greens, tomatoes and red onion balance the meal with fresh veggies.
- Italian Vegetable Medley - Steam up broccoli, carrots and zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Roasted Potato Wedges - Crispy potato wedges are a classic crowd-pleaser.
- Fruit - Fresh berries or melon pieces provide a sweet finish.
- Sweet Corn - Grill it on the cob or serve creamed corn.
Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce campanelli or elbow pasta, cooked according to package directions for al dente
- 2 pounds browned ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 15 ounce jars pizza sauce
- 1 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 8 ounce package sliced pepperoni, divided
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the slow cooker, stir together the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, minced onion, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, most of the pepperoni (leaving a few slices for the top,) and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Smooth the top and add the remaining pepperoni and cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
