Classic Crockpot Pizza Casserole
A comforting slow-cooker dish featuring pasta, marinara, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- skillet
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta cooked al dente
Sauce
- 2 jars marinara sauce
Meat & Toppings
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage cooked and drained
- 1 package sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- diced bell peppers
- onions
- cooked crumbled bacon
- banana peppers
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the ziti or penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground Italian sausage in a skillet and drain any excess grease.
Assembly
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by another 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then layer with half of the cooked sausage, pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms.
- Repeat the pasta, sauce, cheese, and topping layers one more time.
- Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cooking & Serving
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours, until bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings like diced bell peppers, onions, cooked crumbled bacon, or banana peppers. For a richer flavor, use a good quality full-fat cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the Italian sausage and use additional vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. Ensure your pasta is truly al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.