Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
1159 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Description
The Crock Pot Pizza Casserole assembles cooked rigatoni with seasoned Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, onions, and a robust pizza sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Layered with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese in a slow cooker, the casserole cooks on low heat for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and the cheese to melt thoroughly. The pepperoni is prepped to reduce excess grease, ensuring a balanced dish. This preparation results in a warm, hearty casserole with the classic combination of pizza meats and cheese applied to pasta.
The dish serves well paired with garlic bread and a fresh salad, making it a filling main course suitable for a casual family meal. Its slow cooker method allows for a hands-off approach, freeing up the cook’s time during preparation.
Cook time should not exceed four hours or be set to high to avoid burning. Three to four hours on low heat is recommended for optimal results. Careful timing preserves the casserole’s texture and prevents overcooking the pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce short pasta rigatoni, penne or ziti, box
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- ½ pound ground beef
- 8 ounce pepperoni sliced, package
- ½ white onion chopped, large
- 42 ounces pizza sauce Three 14-ounce jars
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until almost al dente, but not quite, about 6 or 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta boils, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Layer the pepperoni slices between a couple paper towels. Place the towels on a plate and microwave for 15 seconds to help remove the excess grease from the pepperoni.
- In a large bowl mix together the pasta, Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, onion, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic.
- Coat the inside of a 5-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray
- Layer the pasta in the slow cooker, alternating layers with the shredded mozzarella cheese. There should be three layers, ending with the cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- Serve warm with garlic bread and a salad.
Notes
- Cooking longer than 4 hours or using HIGH heat risks burning the casserole; 3 to 4 hours on LOW works best.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1159 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1159kcal | 58% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 60g | 120% |
| Fat | 78g | 120% |
| Saturated Fat | 32g | 160% |
| Cholesterol | 220mg | 73% |
| Sodium | 3312mg | 138% |
| Potassium | 1463mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 1660IU | 33% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 551mg | 55% |
| Iron | 6.4mg | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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