If you crave those gooey, melty, saucy pizza flavors but want dinner done with practically zero effort, this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is pure magic! It's loaded with hearty pasta, rich marinara, plenty of melty mozzarella, and all your favorite pizza toppings-baked together until bubbling and irresistible.

This is the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it recipe. You get all the comfort and excitement of pizza night in a cozy, one-pot slow cooker meal that feeds a hungry family. It's incredibly easy, endlessly customizable, and a total lifesaver on busy evenings or lazy weekends.

My family devours this every time I make it, and there are never leftovers! Trust me, this casserole brings the best of both worlds-pizza and pasta-right to your table, with none of the fuss.

A cheesy crock pot pizza casserole topped with pepperoni and fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Set it and forget it-so easy! A true dump-and-go meal; your slow cooker does all the work.
Classic pizza flavors in every bite. Gooey cheese, savory sauce, and loads of toppings make this a family favorite.
Customizable for picky eaters. Add or swap toppings to suit everyone's pizza cravings.
Perfect for feeding a crowd. Makes plenty for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game days.

Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

This ingredient brings hearty, savory depth to the dish and infuses every bite with classic pizza flavor. Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. For easier prep, crumble and brown sausage in a skillet before adding it to your crock pot. You can substitute ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a different twist, but sausage gives the most authentic flavor.

Pasta

Short pasta like rotini or penne holds up well and traps all that luscious sauce. Cook the pasta only until al dente before adding to the slow cooker-it will continue to soften as it cooks. Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed, but watch for doneness as some types can overcook.

Pizza Sauce or Marinara

Rich pizza sauce brings that signature tomato tang and herby flavor. Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or a good-quality marinara for the base. If you prefer a heartier or chunkier texture, stir in some diced tomatoes or extra seasonings like basil and oregano.

Mozzarella Cheese

Loads of shredded mozzarella melt into wonderful, stringy layers that hold everything together. For even gooier results, add a bit of provolone or use an Italian blend. Dairy-free shreds will also work if you want to make this casserole vegan or lactose-free.

Pepperoni

Crispy-edged pepperoni lends classic pizza vibes and a punch of flavor. Layer some slices in the middle and on top before finishing. You can swap in turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or use chopped veggies for a meatless twist.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Sausage

Start by adding olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain off excess grease, then set aside. This layer of savory flavor is the backbone of the casserole.

Boil the Pasta

Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for only 5 minutes-just until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Don't overcook! The pasta will soften more in the crock pot.

Layer the Casserole

Mist the bottom of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, then add half of the pasta, followed by half the sausage, pepperoni, veggies, and cheese. Repeat the layers (sauce, pasta, sausage, toppings), finishing with the remaining sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Layer extra pepperoni on the very top if you like crispy edges!

Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the flavors have mingled beautifully. Avoid cooking too long or on HIGH, as the pasta could over-soften.

Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, sprinkle the casserole with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Let cool for about 10 minutes-this helps the cheesy layers set and makes scooping easier.

Recipe Variations

Meat Lovers' Edition

Amp up the protein by using a mix of Italian sausage, ground beef, and extra pepperoni. You could even add diced ham or crumbled bacon for a true meat feast!

Veggie-Only Option

Make it vegetarian by leaving out the sausage and pepperoni and loading up with zucchini, spinach, extra mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. A hearty vegetable medley makes this just as satisfying.

Gluten-Free

Swap traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free spiral noodles. Just keep an eye on cook time-some brands soften quickly.

Dairy-Free/Vegan

Use dairy-free mozzarella shreds and your favorite plant-based sausage or crumbles. Top with extra veggies or vegan pepperoni for that classic pizza vibe!

Spice It Up

Boost the heat with sliced jalapeños or a dash more red pepper flakes. Spicy Italian sausage is another easy way to give some kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing and some warm garlic bread or soft breadsticks for dunking into those cheesy layers. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra pop of flavor. A simple side of roasted vegetables would also round out the meal nicely.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat single portions in the microwave until hot, or the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. This dish freezes beautifully: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Pizza Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?

A: Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, ziti, or fusilli will work. Just be sure not to overcook before adding to the slow cooker.

Q: How do I make this vegetarian?

A: Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and pile in extra veggies or your favorite plant-based Italian sausage.

Q: Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the layers in your crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You're going to love how easy and flavorful this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is-the perfect comfort food for busy nights, cozy weekends, and hungry families. Give it a try, then let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment or rating below!