Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Dinner

Imagine the savory, cheesy goodness of your favorite pizza fused with the comforting layers of a classic lasagna, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. Our Crockpot Pizza Pasta recipe delivers just that – an incredibly easy-to-prepare and utterly delicious meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a hearty, flavorful dish without the fuss, this pizza lasagna casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. With just a few simple steps and about 3 hours in the crockpot, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, and satisfying dinner ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Lasagna Casserole

This slow cooker pizza pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight solution and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated layering and multiple pots. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward layering method right in your crockpot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich, Comforting Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, zesty spaghetti sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to everyone.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that combines two universally loved foods – pizza and pasta – is bound to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can easily customize toppings to suit individual preferences.
• Set It and Forget It: The beauty of slow cooking! After a quick 10-minute prep, your crockpot does all the work, slowly simmering the ingredients to perfection while you go about your day.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is incredibly filling and satisfying, making it a complete meal on its own or paired with a light side.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, making this an excellent option for lunch the next day.

Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta

The magic of this easy pizza pasta recipe lies in its accessible and versatile ingredients. We’re using everyday staples to create something extraordinary:

• Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for preventing sticking and making cleanup even easier.
• Lasagna noodles: Uncooked and broken, they absorb all the delicious flavors as they cook in the sauce, creating tender, pasta-perfect bites without the need for pre-boiling. This is a game-changer for speed and convenience in a slow cooker lasagna.
• Spaghetti sauce: A good quality jarred spaghetti sauce forms the flavorful base. Choose your favorite, whether it’s a classic marinara, meat-flavored, or a robust roasted garlic variety.
• Mozzarella cheese: The quintessential pizza and lasagna cheese. Its meltiness and mild flavor are key to that craveable cheesy stretch. Using shredded saves you prep time.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, delicate texture that is characteristic of traditional lasagna, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Browned ground beef: A hearty protein source that brings depth and flavor. Browning it beforehand is crucial for texture and to remove excess fat. You can even use pre-cooked ground beef from your freezer for ultimate convenience.
• Turkey pepperoni slices: Offers that distinct pizza flavor with a slightly lighter profile. Feel free to use regular pepperoni if preferred.
• Water: A small amount of liquid is necessary to help the noodles cook properly in the slow cooker environment and to create the perfect saucy consistency.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a touch of vegetables. These can be fresh or canned (drained).

Ingredient Customizations and Swaps:

One of the best things about this crockpot pizza pasta is how easily it can be adapted to your family’s tastes. Here are some ideas:

• Protein Power-Ups: Instead of ground beef, try Italian sausage (mild or spicy), ground turkey, or even a combination. Cook and drain any ground meat before adding it to the crockpot.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, black olives, or zucchini to the layers for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté firmer vegetables like onions and peppers slightly before adding.
• Cheesy Variations: Mix in some grated Parmesan, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses with the mozzarella and ricotta for a more complex cheese flavor.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce or over the meat layers can add a pleasant kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, many brands now offer gluten-free lasagna noodles that work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure they are the “no-boil” variety for best results in the slow cooker.

Getting Started: Essential Equipment

To whip up this fantastic slow cooker pizza pasta, you’ll primarily need:

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker: The star of the show! A larger crockpot ensures even cooking and enough space for all the delicious layers.
• Non-stick skillet: For browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Basic kitchen utensils: Spoons, spatulas, and measuring cups/spoons.

Recipe

Crockpot Pizza Pasta

5 from 1 vote

A combination of pizza and lasagna that is easy to prepare and cooks in the crockpot, this tasty meal is ready to serve after about 3 hours.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 566

Ingredients

  

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 lb. box lasagna noodles
• 32 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lb browned ground beef, from freezer
• 5 oz. pkg. turkey pepperoni slices
• ½ cup water
• 4 oz. mushrooms, sliced

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Instructions

• Thoroughly spray the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving and cleanup much easier.
• Spread a few generous spoonfuls (about ¼ cup) of spaghetti sauce on the very bottom of the crockpot. This crucial step helps prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking and burning.
• Carefully break the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller, manageable pieces – roughly 2-3 inches long. Place approximately ⅓ of these broken noodles in an even layer over the sauce at the bottom of the pot.
• Pour about ⅓ of the spaghetti sauce evenly over the noodle layer, ensuring good coverage.
• Next, dollop ½ of the creamy ricotta cheese over the sauce, spreading it gently. Then, sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta and sauce.
• Evenly distribute ½ of the browned ground beef (ensure it’s drained of any excess fat) on top of the cheese layer. Follow this with half of the turkey pepperoni slices and half of the sliced mushrooms.
• Lightly spoon a few more spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce over the meat and topping layer to keep everything moist.
• Repeat the entire layering process once more: start with the second ⅓ of the broken lasagna noodles, followed by another ⅓ of the spaghetti sauce, the remaining ½ of the ricotta cheese, another ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese, the remaining ½ of the browned ground beef, and the rest of the pepperoni and mushrooms. Finish this second set of layers with a light scattering of sauce.
• Finally, layer the last ⅓ of the broken noodle pieces over the top of the ingredients.
• Generously cover these top noodles completely with all of the remaining spaghetti sauce, ensuring no dry noodle pieces are exposed.
• Sprinkle the last of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the very top layer for a golden, bubbly finish.
• Carefully pour ½ cup of water around the inner edges of the crockpot. This added liquid is essential for cooking the noodles and creating steam. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 3 hours, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Note about cooking time: Cooking times vary greatly depending on the size of your crockpot as well as its cooking temperature. You may find that it takes longer for the meal to cook in your crockpot, so be sure to allow for variance. Always check for noodle tenderness before serving.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 566 calCarbohydrates: 51 gProtein: 34 gFat: 25 gSodium: 1170 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 7 gNet Carbohydrates: 47 g

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Pizza Pasta

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can elevate your slow cooker pizza pasta from great to absolutely phenomenal:

• Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Don’t skip browning the ground beef. This step renders out fat and adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. Drain the fat well before adding to the crockpot.
• Don’t Overlap Noodles Too Much: While you’re breaking the lasagna noodles, try to arrange them in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking. Some overlap is fine, but excessive piling can lead to undercooked spots.
• Ensure Noodles are Covered: Make sure all noodle pieces are fully submerged in or covered by sauce, especially the top layer. This prevents them from drying out and ensures they become tender. The water poured around the edges helps generate steam for thorough cooking.
• Adjust Sauce if Needed: If your spaghetti sauce is particularly thick, you might want to add an extra splash of water (¼ cup) to the sauce itself to ensure enough liquid for the noodles.
• Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the lid of your slow cooker releases heat and steam, extending the cooking time. Try to keep the lid on as much as possible until close to the estimated cook time.
• Check for Doneness: After 3 hours, test a noodle for tenderness. If it’s still firm, replace the lid and cook for another 30-60 minutes. Slow cookers vary greatly, so trust your judgment.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty pizza lasagna casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Ideal for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds more greens to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Zinfandel would beautifully complement the Italian flavors.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying your delicious crockpot pizza pasta beyond the first meal is easy!

• Storing Leftovers: Allow the pizza pasta to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Divide cooled leftovers into individual, freezer-safe containers or a large freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.
  • Oven: For larger amounts, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling and hot. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a crisper top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crockpot Pizza Pasta

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles are ideal for this slow cooker recipe as they are designed to cook without pre-boiling and absorb liquid readily, just like the broken regular lasagna noodles we’re using.

Do I have to brown the ground beef first?

While it adds an extra step, browning and draining the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot is highly recommended. It develops flavor, improves texture, and prevents your pasta from becoming overly greasy.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and pepperoni. You can substitute with a meatless ground crumble, extra vegetables (like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini), or even plant-based pepperoni for a delicious vegetarian option.

What size crockpot should I use?

A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is best for this recipe to accommodate all the layers and ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller crockpot, you might need to adjust the quantities or layer more carefully.

Why is there water added around the edges?

The water around the edges creates steam within the crockpot, which is essential for cooking the dry lasagna noodles to tender perfection without them sticking or drying out. It helps maintain the right moisture level for slow cooking pasta.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Dinner Awaits!

This Crockpot Pizza Pasta truly redefines convenience without sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking methods can create a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort. From its minimal prep to its rich, cheesy layers and versatile topping options, this slow cooker pizza lasagna casserole is designed to make your life easier and your family happier.

So, the next time you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner solution that delivers maximum comfort and taste, reach for your slow cooker and give this incredible recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a treasured go-to in your recipe collection!

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