Try our slow cooker pizza casserole with ground beef, cheese and a jar of spaghetti sauce. It’s so easy to make this Crockpot casserole for dinner or a party with kids. You really can’t go wrong combining pizza and pasta together!
This Crockpot pizza casserole is seriously one of our favorite meals! It is packed with tasty sauce, cheesy goodness, and pizza toppings all in your slow cooker! It’s one of our family favorite crock pot recipes.
Not only is it a great dinner for your family, but it’s great when you’re having a get together for the big game or other reason. If you’ve tried our Crockpot lasagna recipe, this one will become one of your favorites too.
You can add all your favorite toppings like sausage, olives and more. Let me show you just how easy this slow cooker pizza pasta is to make. Now you may have made an air fryer pizza with your favorite toppings. You can use the same with this crockpot recipe, it is really versatile so you can make it as plain or packed with toppings as you want.
Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef
I chose to make this as protein packed as possible so I did cook a pound of lean ground beef for it. You will have to precook and drain the meat before adding, I do this when I am boiling the noodles so all of that is prepped.
What Type of Pasta to Use
This time we used penne pasta because that is the shape that was on sale. You can use shells too but I do recommend the medium sizes and one that can be eaten easier than let’s say long spaghetti style or something like that.
Do you have to boil noodles to make pizza casserole?
Yes, that is an important step. You will want to boil medium size shells or penne pasta noodles until al dente on the stove, drain, and then fold in with your other ingredients to continue baking together from there.
You can go ahead and grab the mozzarella cheese which is typical but honestly you could mix and match with some cheddar too. You want all varieties to be shredded.
A traditional jar of spaghetti sauce goes perfectly with several of our favorite meals throughout the week and when I’m planning for get togethers like the big game. 1 pack of 3 will be enough for both of these meals, and The Big Game party I’m putting together….done!
Topping Ideas
As for the toppings we opted for pepperoni but you could also precook some ground beef or sausage, and add some olives too! I mean go with whatever you would normally put on your cheese, works the same way
How Long to Cook Pizza Casserole in Slow Cooker
Now first you will want to get a pot of water boiling to cook your noodles. I boil them until they are al dente because they will cook a bit longer and soften a bit when you put them in with all the other ingredients. Then once combined you will set to low for 2-3 hours or until the noodles soak up the sauce and are the perfect tenderness for you.
If I am having people over I will make this at about noon to have it ready by 2ish. Then turn it on “keep warm” and leave it for the duration of time we have guests over. That way people can get up to serve themselves 2nds….and 3rds throughout the day. I’m telling you this will be a hit!! Here is a printable recipe for you.
You can actually make Crockpot pizza with dough instead. Deconstructed with noodles instead uses many of the same ingredients but served in a whole new way. You should try both and see which you prefer, both are fun and a unique way of “baking” this popular Italian family meal.
We explain below how to do this low and slow in a Crock. If you have a pressure cooker you can make this even quicker by following our Instant Pot pizza pasta instructions. Watch the video in this post showing you how to make pizza casserole, then get started.
Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce, 45 oz
- 1 cup pepperoni, mini size is great
- 3 cup mozzerella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 lb pasta, penne was used, precooked in separate pot on stove until al dente
Instructions
- This makes a large batch feeding 8-10, you can cut this in half if you want it to serve just your family 4-5 or so. Boil pasta beforehand until it is still a bit al dente.
- Add a cup or so of sauce to bottom of slow cooker, then a cup and a half or so of your noodles, then some cheese, pepperoni, and any other toppings you like.
- Continue to layer in this manner (about 3 layers) until all ingredients are gone. Put lid on crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours just to melt things together and finish cooking pasta.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a great football party food ideas because they think outside of the box are are always a hit with everyone. Once you spend the 30 min. or so preparing your Crock pot pizza casserole you won’t have to touch it again. You can just turn it on warm and enjoy yourself. It’s great for busy days too because your family will love it and it can stay warm for a few hours. Bonus – it’s great the next day warmed up for lunch too!
Other easy Crockpot family friendly meals you’ll love
Our slow cooker cheesy potatoes are great for a brunch. Slow cooker Korean beef served over rice is always a winner
Yum this looks and sounds incredible. Sounds like something I could make and my kids could to take to school too for lunches. They’d love this!
Looks delicious! I love the idea of making things ahead in the crockpot. My kids would like this recipe.
This recipe looks delicious, fun appetizer for any parties! Love it
That’s definitely a recipe I would serve the family. I think it would be one of those where NONE would be left over.
Wow, this sounds filling and truly delish. I would pair this with my favorite red wine. I like that it is easy-to-prepare.
Oh my goodness! This looks like heaven to me. I’ll make this for dinner tomorrow. My family will love it. Thanks for the recipe!
I really love your idea. I use my slow cooker for everything except pizza. I’ll be saving your recipe. Thanks!
I love using my slow cooker because it makes my days so easy. I know my family would love this casserole!
love this easy pizza pasta, can I have some? Well done!
Oh my, this looks so good and so easy to make!