This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole combines browned ground beef, tender pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melty cheese for an easy, family-friendly slow cooker meal. It’s a convenient hands-off dinner you can assemble in the afternoon and let cook while you handle the rest of your day.
The pasta cooks right in the crock pot with the sauce, which means one-pot cleanup and less fuss. This recipe is highly adaptable: swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, add extra vegetables, or make it gluten-free by using a suitable pasta. It’s especially useful for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Because pizza flavors are widely loved, this casserole is great for picky eaters. If you enjoy vegetables on your pizza, consider stirring in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or sliced olives before cooking. Fresh basil adds a bright finish, but it’s optional.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
- ½ medium onion, chopped (red or white)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2–3 cloves)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about a 24 oz jar; use a quality brand you enjoy)
- 1 cup water (helps thin the sauce so the pasta cooks evenly)
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (or another medium pasta shape)
- 32 pepperoni slices, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan, for topping
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
How to Make Pizza Casserole in a Crock Pot
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the marinara sauce, water, half of the mozzarella, and the chopped basil if using. Stir to combine.
3. Add half of the pepperoni slices into the sauce, then add the pasta. Press the pasta gently so most of it is submerged in the sauce—this helps it cook evenly and prevents dry, crunchy edges.
4. Stir in the cooked beef mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and the rest of the pepperoni slices.
5. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for 1½–2 hours. Check the pasta at about 3 hours on low (or at 1½ hours on high). If it isn’t tender, replace the lid and cook another hour on low (or an additional 30 minutes on high) until done.
6. When the pasta is tender, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and additional chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Keep the pasta mostly submerged in the sauce while cooking—this ensures even, tender results without crunchy spots.
- Check the pasta for doneness at the suggested times and add more cooking time if needed. Crock pots vary, so timing may differ slightly.
- Fresh basil brightens the dish, but dried basil or Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch.
- If you prefer, cook pasta separately and stir it in at the end. If doing so, omit the cup of water and reduce marinara to about 2 cups.
Variations and Substitutions
- Instant Pot: Brown meat and onion in the Instant Pot, add sauce, water, half the pepperoni, basil and pasta. Cook on high pressure 9 minutes, quick release, stir in half the mozzarella, then top with remaining cheese, Parmesan and pepperoni.
- Keto / Low Carb: Omit pasta and water, reduce marinara to about 2 cups, and increase ground beef to 2 pounds.
- Gluten Free: Use your preferred gluten-free pasta or follow the keto/low-carb substitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry pasta that is submerged in a thin sauce or liquid generally takes about 3–4 hours on low or 1–2 hours on high. Make sure the pasta stays mostly under the liquid so it cooks through evenly.
Yes. The sauce must be thinned with water or broth so the pasta has enough liquid to absorb and cook. As long as the pasta stays submerged, it will cook in sauce, broth, or the liquid from canned tomatoes.
Absolutely. Many oven casseroles translate well to the slow cooker with minor adjustments. Most slow cooker casseroles need 3–6 hours depending on ingredients and settings.
Recipe Summary
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
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