Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Name: Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492001H2M17S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces Rotini pasta; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup onions (about 1 small onion), diced; 3 cups pizza sauce (or 2 (14 ounce) jars); 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 ½ cups Colby jack cheese, divided; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided; Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

By:

jeremy

Published:

September 24, 2025

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone together. Imagine walking through your door to that cozy, savory aroma wrapping around you like a warm blanket. That’s the magic of this casserole. It’s simple and comforting, taking the beloved flavors of pizza and transforming them into a hearty meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. And the best part? You hardly need to break a sweat to whip it up! With just a bit of prep, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and carry on with your day.

Serving up this dish feels like a small celebration at home. You can relax knowing you’ve got something delicious waiting for you after a long day. Plus, it allows you to spend more quality time with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. So, if you’re a fan of pizza and easy dinners, stick around. You’ll love how this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole turns busy weeknights into delightful family moments.

Why This Recipe Works

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole combines the beloved flavors of pizza into an easy, cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The magic happens during the slow cooking process, which melds the ingredients together beautifully, creating a hearty meal that bursts with rich flavors. You’ll appreciate how simple it is yet comforting; truly a dish designed for sharing. The melding of ingredient flavors makes it a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, instantly making it an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Imagine coming home to that enticing aroma of a delectable pizza casserole just waiting for you—it’s pure comfort food bliss! With only 15 minutes of prep time required, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of friends and family. This dish captures the essence of pizza in casserole form while providing that same satisfaction. You’ll be reaching for seconds without a second thought!

Ingredients

16 ounces Rotini pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup onions (about 1 small onion), diced
3 cups pizza sauce (or 2 (14 ounce) jars)
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
1 ½ cups Colby jack cheese, divided
1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Prepping the Pasta

To start, cook the Rotini pasta until it’s just under al dente. This helps ensure it holds up well during slow cooking without turning mushy. It’s always better to take it out a bit early. After draining, set the pasta aside while you work on the other ingredients.

Browning the Sausage

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and throw in the ground Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Make sure it gets nicely browned and cooked through. Once finished, drain off any excess grease so your casserole doesn’t become greasy.

Mixing the Ingredients

Now it’s time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the browned sausage, diced onions, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and half of each type of cheese. Mix everything together until well combined. This ensures every single serving is packed with incredible flavor.

Slow Cooking

Grease your slow cooker to help prevent any sticking. After that, pour the mixed ingredients into the slow cooker and spread everything out evenly. Don’t forget to top it off with the remaining cheeses, covering the entire casserole. This creates that delicious cheesy crust we all love!

Setting the Temperature

Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, go with high for 1 ½ to 2 hours. If you have a little extra time, set it on low for 3 to 4 hours. The low setting allows those flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting meal.

Serving the Casserole

Once it’s all cooked, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh basil if you want that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot! This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crunchy garlic bread for a complete meal. Everyone at the table will be some serious fans of this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
Pair with garlic bread for that classic Italian touch—perfect for sopping up those delicious sauces!
Consider offering a variety of toppings like crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for those who like a little spice.

Tips for Success

For an extra kick of flavor, don’t hesitate to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative and you’re good to go.
Keep an eye on your cooking time; every slow cooker works a bit differently, so it’s key to check your casserole for doneness.

Variations

Feel free to swap out the cheeses for ones you love, like provolone or pepper jack. Get creative!
Experiment with different pasta shapes too! Penne or fusilli can bring a fun twist.
Add other toppings like pepperoni slices or diced vegetables for a richer flavor profile that suits your taste.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 2 months. When it’s time to reheat, you can either use the oven or microwave, with oven being the preferred method for that crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta will work well here, like penne or farfalle.

Is the casserole spicy?
Not really! The recipe is mild, but you can always add red pepper flakes if you want some extra heat.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! Just mix all the ingredients together and store them in the fridge overnight, then cook the next day.

How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or warm in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap out the sausage for a plant-based option, and make sure your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a delightful blend of classic pizza flavors, simplicity, and comfort. This dish is sure to become a favorite with its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd. With variations to cater to different tastes, it’s a versatile recipe that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or as a meal shared with friends, this casserole brings the joy of pizza right to your table.