Crockpot Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions:

1. Cook the meat
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Assemble the base
   Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot. Add bell pepper, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Slow cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or on HIGH for 1–2 hours to let the flavors develop.
4. Add pasta
   Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes, stirring once, until pasta is tender.
5. Add toppings
   Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and add pepperoni. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted.
6. Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results:

• Stir once after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
• If the mixture looks dry, add 1/4–1/2 cup water or broth.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
• Cooking times may vary depending on crockpot size and brand.

Variations:

• Veggie Pizza Casserole: Add mushrooms, olives, or zucchini.
• Supreme Style: Use sausage and beef together with onions and peppers.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan or provolone with the mozzarella.
• Kid-Friendly: Skip red pepper flakes and use mini pepperoni.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH

Servings

6–8