Crockpot Pizza Casserole an Easy Weeknight Winner

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Easiest Weeknight Dinner EVER

By Amara Vitalis September 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper comfort food casserole hug in a bowl? Honestly, sometimes I just need something easy. This crockpot pizza casserole recipe is that answer.

It is packed with all the pizza flavors you love.

Brief Overview

This ain't your Nonna's pasta dish. It's American comfort food! This easy pizza casserole recipe has the familiar tastes of pizza.

It's a simple, family friendly dish. This crockpot pasta bake takes about 20 minutes to prep. Cook time is 4- 6 hours on low or 2- 3 hours on high.

This makes 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best bits? It's a great way to sneak some veggies into the kids. Seriously, this is one of my go-to weeknight dinner ideas .

It's a crowd pleaser and saves me from a takeaway. This family friendly meals is proper good grub!

Why This Recipe Slaps

Let me tell you, this slow cooker pizza casserole is a game changer! It's perfect for those evenings when you're knackered.

It feeds a hungry bunch with minimal effort. It's a cheesy pasta casserole dream come true. It's a deconstructed pizza that is easier to make, especially that it uses the italian sausage pasta bake style, that combines perfectly with the sausage casserole recipe .

Getting Started

So, now we have a fair idea, let's crack on with the ingredients. I promise, nothing too fancy!

Right then, let's talk ingredients! You know, making a crockpot pizza casserole is all about ease. Finding the right stuff makes it even simpler! Honestly, this is one of those easy pizza casserole recipe options that screams family friendly meals .

This cheesy pasta casserole is a winner.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty

Let's break down exactly what you'll need for this slow cooker pizza casserole . Trust me; it’s easier than ordering takeaway!

Main Ingredients

Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) , mild or hot, casings removed. Look for sausage with a good pork-to-fat ratio. I've had some seriously greasy sausage before and believe me, nobody wants that!
Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup ). Yellow or white works great!
Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (around 1 cup ). Adds a bit of sweetness.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, isn't it?
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . Good quality crushed tomatoes make all the difference.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons . A must have for that classic pizza flavour.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Salt: ½ teaspoon .
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
Rotini Pasta: 1 pound (450g) , cooked and drained. Don't overcook it. Al dente is the way to go. Otherwise, it will be a mushy crockpot pasta bake .
Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups (300g) , shredded, divided. Pre-shredded is a time saver.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. Adds a lovely salty tang.
Optional Toppings: Pepperoni, mushrooms, olives...get creative! This is a great sausage casserole recipe .

Seasoning Notes

This is where you can put your own stamp on this italian sausage pasta bake . Italian seasoning and oregano are crucial for that pizza flavour.

A little garlic goes a long way, too. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're missing Italian seasoning, a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme will do the trick.

You know, get creative with it!

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker/Crockpot: 6-quart or larger . The bigger, the better!
Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and veggies.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Knife and Cutting Board
Alternatives? A large pot can work in a pinch if you don't have a skillet.

This comfort food casserole is all about ease. Having the right kit makes it even easier. Now, get ready to throw it all together! This is going to be a total weeknight dinner ideas winner.

Cooking Method

Let's talk about the crockpot pizza casserole , shall we? This isn't your Nona's Italian masterpiece, but it’s ruddy brilliant for those manic weeknights when you fancy some proper comfort food.

It's basically a slow cooker pizza casserole , and I'm telling you, it’s a game changer. Think of it as an easy pizza casserole recipe - dead simple, minimal effort, and maximum satisfaction.

My family goes absolutely bonkers for this, and I reckon yours will too! Perfect for those family friendly meals that everyone enjoys.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Before you even think about switching on that crockpot , it's all about that mise en place . Trust me, a bit of prep saves you a right headache later on.

Essential Prep: Chop your onion and green pepper. Mince that garlic like you mean it. Crumble and brown your Italian sausage. Honestly, get this done before anything else.
Time Saving Tips: I sometimes chop my veggies the night before, or even buy pre-chopped ones from the supermarket. No shame in that, mate!
Safety First: Banging on about this is boring. Just, you know, wash your hands, don't lick the spoon when raw sausage has been on it, and be careful when handling hot pans. Common sense, really!

step-by-step: It's as Easy as Pie (or Casserole!)

Right, let's get this show on the road. This crockpot pasta bake is so easy, a kid could do it (with supervision, obviously!).

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown your 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, nobody wants a greasy casserole.
Sauté the Veg: Add your chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes , until softened.
Stir in the Goodness: Chuck in the 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can of tomato sauce , 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Simmer for 10 minutes .
Layer it Up: In your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker/crockpot , layer half of your cooked 1 pound (450g) rotini pasta , half the sausage mixture, and a third of your 3 cups (approx. 300g) shredded mozzarella cheese . Repeat layers.
Crockpot Magic: Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours . The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Cheese Overload: Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and ½ cup (approx. 50g) grated Parmesan cheese . Cover and let melt for 5 minutes .
Serve Up! Dish it up and enjoy this amazing pizza casserole with rotini .

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Casserole Game

Alright, here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years to make this sausage casserole recipe truly unforgettable.

Pasta Perfection: Slightly undercook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the crockpot. Al dente is key.
Don't be shy with seasoning: Taste the sauce before layering. Is it missing something? A pinch of red pepper flakes? More garlic? Trust your gut!
make-ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time. This cheesy pasta casserole is perfect for weeknight dinner ideas .

Honestly, this italian sausage pasta bake is proper lush, and so easy to adapt to your own tastes. Chuck in some mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni.

Go wild. It's your comfort food casserole after all. Enjoy!

Alright, here's the lowdown on the crockpot pizza casserole after it's done cooking. These are some bits of wisdom I've picked up over the years, you know? Let's get into it.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Sides

Okay, so the crockpot pizza casserole is ready. Now what? Presentation matters, even if it's just for yourself. I sometimes like to sprinkle a bit of fresh basil on top, makes it look all fancy.

A simple green salad on the side cuts through the richness. Honestly, a slice of garlic bread is never a bad idea either.

Maybe even try some Cheesy breadsticks. For drinks, a light Italian white wine? Perfect!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right, leftovers. If there are any. Refrigerate the easy pizza casserole recipe in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days, yeah? For freezing, let it cool completely.

Then wrap it up tight in foil and a freezer bag. It should be good for about 2 months. Reheating? Microwave works in a pinch.

For best results, bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy shaking things up a bit? Want some weeknight dinner ideas ? For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage casserole recipe with mushrooms, courgettes and spinach, it's a game changer! And, of course, use gluten-free pasta if you need it.

Wanna spice it up a little? A pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick or you can use hot Italian sausage, easy peasy! Remember, this recipe is a template so you can make a slow cooker pizza casserole your own!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up

Right, the boring bit. But you know it's good to know, right? A serving will probably clock in around 450-550 calories.

Loads of protein, thanks to the sausage and cheese. There's also a decent amount of carbohydrates, fat, and fibre. Now, this is just a rough guide.

It will vary depending on what ingredients you're using so bear that in mind.

So there you have it! This family friendly meals recipe is a winner! I know you're gonna smash it out of the park.

Go on, give it a whirl! You could use either crockpot pasta bake or pizza casserole with rotini . It will be a cheesy explosion and comfort food casserole.

Trust me you wont regret and will be looking forward to making an italian sausage pasta bake . It's easier than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this crockpot pizza casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Crockpot Pizza Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it in the crockpot the next morning. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time since it's starting from cold.

Think of it like prepping your full English the night before, ready to go in the morning.

What if my crockpot pizza casserole is too watery?

Nobody wants a soggy bottom! If your casserole seems too watery, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you drained the cooked pasta well. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the sauce during the last hour of cooking to help thicken it up.

And remember, removing the lid for the last 30 minutes can also help excess moisture evaporate - a bit like letting your treacle sponge breathe.

Can I freeze leftover crockpot pizza casserole?

Yes, you can! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Freezing's a cracking way to make sure you've always got something proper to eat later.

I'm not a fan of sausage, what else can I use in this crockpot pizza casserole?

No worries, sausage isn't everyone's cup of tea. You can easily substitute it with ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. It's all about making it your own, innit! Perhaps try peppers or pepperoni?

How can I adapt this crockpot pizza casserole for a gluten-free diet?

Adapting this recipe to be gluten-free is a piece of cake! Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great options available these days that taste just as good as the original.

Just be sure to double check all your other ingredients, like your tomato sauce, to ensure they're also gluten-free.

What are some creative topping ideas for my crockpot pizza casserole?

Get creative, and have fun, maybe try something interesting. For a Mediterranean twist, try olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you like things a bit spicy, add some jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Or, for something classic, consider some pepperoni and mushroom - the sky's the limit when it comes to toppings.