Crockpot Pizza Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
739 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Description
The Crockpot Pizza Casserole combines rigatoni pasta, browned Italian sausage cooked with onions, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese in alternating layers inside a slow cooker. The pasta is boiled just briefly before assembly, finishing the cooking as it simmers with sauce and meat. Seasonings of oregano and garlic powder enhance the sausage and sauce layers.
Once assembled with multiple layers and extra cheese on top, the casserole cooks slowly on low heat, allowing flavors to meld while the cheese melts thoroughly. The top layer of pepperoni and cheese browns slightly, mimicking the texture of pizza crust and toppings.
This versatile dish offers an easy way to enjoy pizza flavors in a hearty pasta meal. The recipe mentions adaptability to various toppings and how the dish can be baked instead of crockpit-cooked, providing flexibility according to preference or appliance availability.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 4 cups pizza sauce
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Coat crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Boil pasta according to package directions, but only cook for 5 minutes then drain. The pasta will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- In a large skillet, crumble and cook sausage until it is browned on the outside. Add onion and mushrooms. Continue to cook until sausage is no longer pink in the middle.
- Layer ingredients in the following order: 1/3 of sausage/onion mixture, 1 cup sauce, 1/3 of cooked pasta, 1 cup cheese, 1/3 of pepperoni slices.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are all used. On the 3rd layer, use 2 cups of cheese. This makes the top extra cheesy and it will look like the top of a pizza.
- Place lid on crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Notes
- This casserole can be baked by layering ingredients in a casserole dish, covering with foil, and baking at 350°F for 30 minutes, then adding the last cheese and pepperoni layer and baking 10-15 minutes more.
- The recipe is flexible; add or omit pizza toppings like bell peppers, olives, Canadian bacon, pineapple, or bacon to suit taste.
- If using vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers, sauté them with sausage and onions before layering.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 739 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 739kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 2545mg | 106% |
| Potassium | 876mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1100IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 11.5mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 351mg | 35% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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