There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of pizza, but sometimes, you just don’t want to deal with making dough or waiting for delivery. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza in an easy, hands-off slow cooker meal.

I first made this dish when I needed something hearty and satisfying for a potluck, and it was an instant hit. Layers of pasta, melty cheese, and pepperoni come together in a way that makes every bite irresistible. The best part? You can customize it just like your favorite pizza!

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This Crockpot Pizza Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and even potlucks.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown the meat, layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do the work. No complicated steps or constant monitoring required!

It’s also crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly. If your family loves pizza (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), they’ll adore this dish. Even picky eaters will dive right in.

Another great reason to love this recipe? It’s budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, you can feed a whole family for a fraction of the cost of takeout pizza.

And finally, it’s completely customizable. Love supreme pizza? Add bell peppers and mushrooms. Prefer a meat-lover’s version? Load it up with sausage and bacon. You can make it your own with just a few tweaks!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Pizza Casserole lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that classic pizza flavor in a pasta dish.

Pasta forms the base of the casserole, giving it that hearty, comforting texture. I recommend using rotini or penne, as their shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully. Be sure to cook it just until al dente before adding it to the slow cooker, so it doesn’t get mushy.

Ground beef or Italian sausage adds a savory, meaty bite to the dish. Italian sausage will give it extra spice and flavor, but ground beef works great if you prefer a milder taste. You can even do a mix of both!

Marinara sauce is the backbone of the dish, giving it that rich tomato base. Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make your own if you have time. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Pepperoni slices are what really bring that classic pizza flavor to the casserole. They crisp up slightly as they cook, adding little bursts of flavor throughout. You can use mini pepperonis or regular slices cut into quarters.

Mozzarella cheese is a must for that gooey, melty goodness. For the best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

If you have a slow cooker liner, it makes cleanup a breeze. Otherwise, just grease the crockpot before assembling the casserole to prevent sticking.

How To Make This Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Making this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker do its magic.

Start by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease, then mix in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. This helps develop rich, deep flavors before layering.

While the meat is cooking, boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Since the pasta will continue cooking in the slow cooker, slightly undercooking it ensures it stays firm.

Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Grease the slow cooker and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and some pepperoni slices. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese and pepperoni on top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. Since everything is already cooked, you’re just allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to get perfectly melty. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on HIGH for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Once done, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions.

Storage Options

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole stores beautifully, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before sealing.

To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating a larger amount, bake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences.

Meat lovers – Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or extra sausage for a protein-packed version.

Veggie-packed – Load it up with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for a supreme pizza twist.

Low-carb option – Swap the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets to make it keto-friendly.

Different cheeses – While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.

Gluten-free version – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or even cooked rice in place of traditional pasta.

However you make it, this Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed hit. Try it out and let me know your favorite variations!