Name: Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491245H27M36S
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini, cooked until almost al dente); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot); 1 cup yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 28 ounces pizza sauce; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly blends all your favorite pizza flavors into one, you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe. It’s a hands-off dinner miracle that brings together savory Italian sausage, melty cheese, vibrant bell peppers, and rich pizza sauce layered over perfectly al dente pasta. The slow cooker gently infuses every bite with bold, cozy flavor, making it an ideal meal for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface with a layout of clear glass bowls and white plates containing cooking ingredients arranged neatly. In the center is a large clear glass bowl filled with uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, pale yellow in color and curved in shape. To the right and slightly above are two smaller clear bowls, one filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese and the other with shredded white cheddar cheese, both soft and light textures. Below them, a small clear bowl holds round red pepperoni slices stacked neatly. Another clear bowl is filled with finely chopped white onions, and next to it is a larger clear bowl full of smooth red tomato sauce with a thick texture. On the left side, a clear bowl contains chopped red and green bell peppers with bright colors and cubed shapes. A white plate at the bottom left holds a square, compact block of uncooked ground meat with a slightly marbled brown and pink surface. Above the large bowl of pasta, two tiny white bowls are placed, one with golden yellow olive oil and the other with minced garlic that is pale beige and finely textured. Finally, near the pepperoni, a small white dish contains three piles of dry seasonings in red, green, and dark reddish-brown colors, finely ground and sprinkled separately. All items sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to making this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial part—the sausage brings savory depth, the bell peppers add freshness and color, and the combination of cheeses guarantees that irresistible gooey texture we all crave. Here’s everything you need to create this delicious casserole:

12 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini, cooked until almost al dente): Slightly undercooked so it finishes perfectly in the slow cooker.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage evenly.
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot): Use whichever you prefer to control the spice level and flavor intensity.
1 cup yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
3 cloves garlic (minced): For that classic pizza aroma and punch of flavor.
28 ounces pizza sauce: The heart of the dish, carrying all those rich tomato and herb flavors.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky nuance that elevates the casserole.
1 green bell pepper (chopped): Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
1 red bell pepper (chopped): Balances the green pepper with sweetness and brightness.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star cheese of any pizza-inspired dish.
1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds a subtle sharpness and creamy texture.
1/2 cup pepperoni: The classic pizza topping that adds a savory punch in each bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions, but be sure to take it off the heat about two minutes before it reaches al dente—this gives the pasta just a little bite so it doesn’t get mushy after slow cooking. Drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. During the last three minutes of cooking, toss in the diced onions so they soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic during the final minute to release its aroma without burning.

Step 3: Season and Layer the Sauce

Mix the crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika into the pizza sauce, combining all those herbs and spices evenly. Pour about one-third of the sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it out into an even layer. This will infuse flavor from the base up.

Step 4: Build the Layers

Now comes the fun, layering part. Spread one-third of your prepared pasta over the sauce, followed by one-third of the sausage and onions mixture. Sprinkle a layer of your chopped green and red bell peppers next to add freshness and balance. Then, evenly distribute a third of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Top this with some pepperoni slices. Repeat this layering process two more times until all your ingredients are used up.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Seal the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, the cheeses melt into a bubbly, golden topping, and the pasta finishes cooking perfectly while soaking up all that delicious sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe

Inside a black oval slow cooker, there is one main visible layer made of shredded white cheese evenly spread across the top, with red pepperoni slices placed on top in a loose circle. Below the cheese, small chunks of green and red bell peppers and brown cooked ground meat can be seen mixed together, creating a colorful and textured base. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add some extra freshness and brightness when serving, try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch that wakes up the flavors right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks add a delightful texture contrast and are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at your dinner table. Alternatively, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a handful of arugula on top for added texture and a slight peppery bite that complements the cheesy layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after cooking. For best results, freeze in portions, wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and place inside a sealed freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for quick dinners when you need a comforting meal in no time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover the casserole with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes to prevent the cheese from drying out while ensuring an even heat.

FAQs

Can I make this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and pepperoni and load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives to keep the hearty and flavorful vibe going strong.

What pasta works best in this recipe?

Short pastas like elbow macaroni or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce and toppings well while cooking evenly in the slow cooker.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly and speeds up prep time. If you prefer, you can also make your own sauce with tomatoes, herbs, and spices for a more customized taste.

Is it okay to cook the casserole on low instead of high?

Definitely. Cooking on low for 3 to 4 hours allows the flavors to meld gently and results in tender pasta and perfectly melted cheese, just like the high setting but with a bit more patience.

Can I add extra cheese on top before serving?

Yes! Adding some freshly shredded mozzarella or Parmesan right before serving gives an extra layer of cheesy indulgence for all the cheese lovers out there.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe enough for anyone who loves the hearty flavors of pizza but wants a fuss-free, make-ahead dinner. The layering of sausage, peppers, cheeses, and sauce over pasta makes for a comforting meal that brings smiles to any table. Give it a whirl and prepare yourself for some serious recipe love from everyone who tries it!