Crockpot Pizza Party the Easiest Casserole Ever
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that pizza craving but cba to order takeout? Honestly, that's how this crockpot pizza casserole recipe came about.
It's pure comfort food, packed with cheesy goodness and ready when you are.
Brief Overview
This recipe takes the Italian American classic and makes it super easy. It's perfect for weeknights. Prep is only 15 minutes.
Cook it in your slow cooker for 4- 6 hours. This easy pizza casserole serves 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This family friendly casserole is a lifesaver for busy parents. It's a balanced meal. It's also packed with protein. The best part? Everyone loves it! This recipe is special because it's customisable.
You can add any of your favourite pizza toppings!
Let's dive into the ingredients to make this pizza pasta bake a reality.
What You'll Need to Create Your Masterpiece
This is how you make the best crockpot pizza casserole recipe ever! Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already! This easy pizza casserole is all about convenience, innit?
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 (28 ounce/790g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper
- 1 (16 ounce/450g) package elbow macaroni
- 1 (6 ounce/170g) package sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
You could even sneak some veggies in for the kids! Nobody will notice in this comfort food casserole .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Pizza Party Started!
Alright, let's talk grub and gear for the easy pizza casserole of your dreams! Seriously, this crockpot pizza casserole is so simple.
It's almost embarrassing how little effort it takes. But hey, who are we to complain about amazing comfort food? This is the ultimate family friendly casserole!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this crockpot casserole recipes sing:
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) . Brown it up, folks! Look for sausage with a good ratio of meat to fat. It will taste better.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/790g) can. Grab a good quality brand. It makes a difference.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 (16 ounce/450g) package. Cook it al dente! So about 7- 8 minutes , otherwise it'll be mushy.
- Pepperoni: 1 (6 ounce/170g) package.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) . Freshly grated is best!
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup (30g) .
Honestly, don't skimp on the cheese. It's pizza! More cheese is always better.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, now for the flavor bombs.
- Italian herbs are the key. Oregano and basil are a must.
- Garlic powder adds a bit of oomph.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes.
- Don't have oregano? Use Italian seasoning. It's a great sub!
This pizza pasta bake is all about customizing. Make it your own!
Equipment Needed
Let's keep it simple, yeah?
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker/crockpot . Obviously! It's a slow cooker pizza casserole !
- Large skillet. For browning that sausage.
- Colander. For draining the macaroni.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a 6-quart crockpot? A 5-quart will work in a pinch. Just don't overfill it! And if you haven't added it yet, use a crockpot liner for easy clean up!
I remember the first time I made this crockpot pizza casserole . I used a tiny crockpot. Disaster! It overflowed everywhere.
Learn from my mistakes! Enjoy making this weeknight dinner ideas , or even for gatherings with loved ones!
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Magic for Your Pizza Casserole!
Honestly, who doesn't love comfort food casserole ? And when it comes to easy slow cooker meals , you can't beat a crockpot pizza casserole recipe .
It's like a pizza hug in a bowl, perfect for a family friendly casserole on a busy weeknight dinner . Forget standing over a hot stove! Let's get this party started.
Prep Steps: Get Your Stuff Together!
Okay, first things first, mise en place , people! This means getting everything ready. Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage and drain that excess grease.
Nobody wants an oily pizza pasta bake ! Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to the package. Keep it slightly undercooked.
Trust me on this! Mix 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl.
Also, grab your 6-quart crockpot casserole recipes .
step-by-step: Layer It Up!
Time to assemble this beauty!
- Grease that crockpot . Important, so the easy pizza casserole doesn't stick.
- Pour in a layer of the tomato sauce.
- Add half the cooked macaroni.
- Sprinkle in half the browned sausage and some pepperoni from the 6 ounce package.
- Top with half the shredded mozzarella cheese. Use 2 cups total.
- Repeat those layers!
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 4 hours . The cheese should be melted. The casserole should be bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
Want to take this slow cooker pizza casserole to the next level? Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This will give it a nice cheesy crust. Don't overcook it. Soggy pasta is a no-no. Adjust the seasonings in the sauce to your taste.
And if you're feeling extra fancy, toss in some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
The best part? You can totally prep this the night before. Just layer everything in the crockpot, pop it in the fridge, and then turn it on in the morning.
Bam! Easy pizza casserole for the win!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of making this crockpot pizza casserole the best it can be! We're talkin' tips, tricks, and all those little somethin' somethin's that elevate it from just "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" It's not just an easy pizza casserole ; it's a hug in a dish.
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Pizza Casserole
Honestly, recipes are just starting points. Get creative and make this your own! Don't be afraid to experiment. This slow cooker pizza casserole is super forgiving.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Pizza Game
Plating is key, you know? Think about it. Instead of just slopping it on a plate, why not make it look a bit fancy? A sprinkle of fresh basil? A drizzle of balsamic glaze? Bam! Restaurant quality.
I love serving my comfort food casserole with a simple green salad. The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. And don't forget some garlic bread! I mean, can you really have too much garlic bread?
Storage Tips: Save it for Later!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pizza casserole with macaroni keeps really well.
- Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
- Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and pop it in a freezer bag. It'll last for up to 2 months . Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Oven (best), microwave (quickest), or even back in the slow cooker on low!
Variations: Remix Your Casserole
Want to switch things up? I got you covered. This crockpot casserole recipe is a blank canvas!
- Dietary Adaptations: gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta! Vegetarian? Load it up with veggies and skip the sausage.
- Seasonal Swaps: Use roasted butternut squash in the fall for a sweet, nutty twist. Add some fresh spinach in the spring for a pop of color and vitamins.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good About This
Okay, so it's not exactly a health food. But, hey, life's too short to skip on deliciousness!
- Simplified: Roughly 450-550 calories per serving. Loads of protein from the sausage and cheese.
- Key Benefits: Protein helps keep you full. Dairy gives you calcium. Tomatoes have lycopene, which is an antioxidant. So, yeah, there's some good stuff in there! It´s is a family friendly casserole, perfect for weeknight dinner ideas.
So there you have it all the insider secrets to making the ultimate crockpot pizza casserole recipe . This easy slow cooker meals are waiting you! It´s better than any pizza pasta bake! Now go forth, and get cooking! I know you can do it.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Crockpot Pizza Casserole ahead of time? I'm juggling work, kids, and trying to be Mary Berry!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time, as it will be starting from cold. It's a great way to get dinner sorted before the school run even begins!
My macaroni always turns to mush in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong with my crockpot pizza casserole?
Ah, the dreaded mushy pasta! The key is to slightly undercook the macaroni before adding it to the crockpot. Aim for al dente it should still have a bit of bite. It will continue to cook in the sauce, and this will prevent it from becoming a soggy mess. Nobody wants a pizza casserole that resembles baby food!
Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Pizza Casserole? I always make too much!
Yes, you can! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Perfect for those "hangry" moments when you need something quick and comforting, like a hug in a bowl!
I'm trying to eat healthier any substitutions I can make to lighten up this Crockpot Pizza Casserole?
You bet! Swap the Italian sausage for lean ground turkey or chicken sausage. Use part skim mozzarella cheese and load up on veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You could even try whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Small changes can make a big difference, so you can enjoy your pizza casserole without feeling too guilty!
Help! I don't have crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. What can I use instead in this crockpot pizza casserole recipe?
No worries, every kitchen has its shortages sometimes! You can substitute with an equal amount of tomato paste diluted with water. For the crushed tomatoes, you could use diced tomatoes, just pulse them a couple times in a blender or food processor.
In a pinch, you could even use a jarred marinara sauce just be mindful of the added sugar and salt levels.
Crockpot Pizza Party The Easiest Casserole Ever
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
