Description
This Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole combines the comforting flavors of a classic pizza in a hearty, layered pasta dish slow-cooked to perfection. With Italian sausage, bell peppers, mozzarella, provolone, and pepperoni, it’s a delicious and easy meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings, requiring minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini, cooked until almost al dente)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 28 ounces pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions but remove it about 2 minutes before al dente, so it is slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage and sauté onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown it on both sides, breaking it into smaller pieces. In the last 3 minutes, add the diced onions and cook until softened slightly. Add the minced garlic during the last minute. The sausage does not need to be fully cooked as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir the crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika into the pizza sauce until well combined.
- Layer the casserole: Pour about a third of the seasoned pizza sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading evenly. Add a third of the cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by a third of the sausage and onions. Sprinkle a third of the chopped green and red bell peppers over the meat mixture. Then add a third of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and top with some pepperoni. Repeat these layering steps two more times with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook the casserole: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. The cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the flavors melded together.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, serve the pizza casserole hot as a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for feeding a crowd.
Notes
- Cook the pasta slightly underdone so it doesn’t become mushy during slow cooking.
- You can adjust the type of Italian sausage (mild or hot) based on your spice preference.
- If desired, substitute the provolone cheese with another favorite melting cheese.
- For a vegetarian option, replace sausage and pepperoni with additional vegetables and plant-based protein.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
