Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole: A Family-Friendly Weeknight Favorite
If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, family-approved dinner, this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, hearty marinara sauce, pepperoni, and loads of melted mozzarella, this dish has all the comforting flavors of a classic pizza—without the work. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Casserole
This recipe is everything you want in a warm, hearty pasta bake: simple prep, minimal dishes, and outstanding flavor. It combines the convenience of a slow cooker meal with the nostalgia of your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole holds up beautifully and reheats even better.
Plus, you can customize it with all your favorite add-ins—think green peppers, black olives, mushrooms, or even Italian sausage. It’s delicious, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb pasta (penne or cavatappi work best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Two 24-oz jars marinara sauce
- One 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 3.5-oz package pepperoni
- Optional: black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, sausage, or other pizza toppings
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative with your toppings to make it your own.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the slow cooker. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, flavorful base for your pizza casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the pepperoni to the slow cooker. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated in sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together while the pasta soaks up all that delicious pizza goodness.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve
Once the casserole is cooked, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, then scoop, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
- Use al dente pasta so it doesn’t get mushy during slow cooking.
- Customize it like a pizza! Add mushrooms, peppers, olives, or sausage for more flavor.
- Switch up the cheese. While mozzarella is classic, provolone or an Italian blend also works great.
- Meal prep friendly. Leftovers reheat perfectly and make amazing lunches.
Perfect for Busy Families
This Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers all the comfort of homemade pizza in a simple, hands-off meal. With its hearty layers, customizable toppings, and irresistible cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your weekly rotation.
Serve it on its own or pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for the ultimate cozy dinner.