I make this crock pot pizza when I want something fun and family-friendly without much prep. It’s layered like lasagna but tastes like your favorite pizza night. Everyone always goes back for seconds.
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A Cozy Take on Pizza Night
I found this crock pot pizza recipe tucked inside my grandma’s recipe box, written on a yellowed index card with a little smudge of sauce in the corner. My sister was the first to try it, and after she raved about how her kids cleaned their plates, I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about. One bite in, and I understood why Grandma kept it close at hand.
The first time I served it, my six-year-old asked for seconds before I even sat down. That’s when I knew this one would stay in our rotation. It has the same cozy charm as my deep dish pizza recipe, but with the ease of a slow cooker meal.
If you’re a fan of easy dinners that bring everyone to the table, this crock pot pizza is worth a try. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and just a little unexpected—kind of like finding a new favorite in an old recipe box. And if you’re in the mood for something with a little smoky sweetness, my BBQ chicken pizza is another family favorite that never disappoints.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rotini pasta: The pasta gives this dish its hearty base and holds onto the sauce nicely. You can use any short pasta you have on hand, like penne or shells, and it will still turn out great.
- Ground beef: Adds flavor and makes the meal filling. I like to brown it with the onion for extra taste, but you could swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage if you prefer.
- Pizza sauce: Brings that classic pizza flavor to the slow cooker. Use your favorite brand or even homemade sauce if you have some ready.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and ties everything together with that gooey, cheesy goodness. If you like a stronger flavor, try mixing in a little cheddar or provolone.
- Pepperoni: Gives the dish that unmistakable pizza taste and a little bit of spice. I like using turkey pepperoni since it’s less greasy, but regular works just as well.
- Onion: Adds a nice savory flavor that blends right in with the beef and sauce. You can skip it if your family isn’t a fan, or use a bit of onion powder instead for a milder touch.
How to Make Crock Pot Pizza
Preparation
Set out your slow cooker and lightly spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup. Chop the onion and measure out all ingredients before starting. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil to cook the pasta.
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Add the rotini to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside. This helps keep the pasta from becoming too soft while it cooks in the crock pot.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease before layering.
Step 3 – Layer the Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the bottom of the crock pot. Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour the pizza sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Step 4 – Slow Cook the Pizza
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges slightly golden. Serve warm straight from the slow cooker and enjoy your easy crock pot pizza.
Lynette’s Tip
Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option that keeps the dish from becoming too greasy. You can also adjust the amount of sauce or cheese to match your family’s favorite pizza style.
More Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Crock Pot Pizza
Ingredients
- 16 oz Rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 1/2 Cup onion chopped
- 26 oz pizza sauce
- 2 Cups mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the cooked pasta in the crock pot and spread it into an even layer. Add the ingredients in this order: cooked ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for about 4 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
Notes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in chopped green peppers, mushrooms, or black olives before layering for extra flavor and color. They cook down nicely in the slow cooker and make the dish feel more like a loaded pizza.
- Try Different Meats: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even diced ham. Each one gives the crock pot pizza its own unique flavor.
- Use a Different Cheese: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a richer, more layered taste. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving adds a nice finishing touch.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
You do. Cooking the pasta first keeps it from becoming too soft while the rest of the ingredients heat through. Drain it well before layering.
Use lean ground beef and turkey pepperoni to cut down on extra oil. Draining the meat well after cooking also helps keep the dish lighter.
After about 4 hours on low, the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and everything should be heated through. You’ll notice the edges start to brown slightly when it’s ready.
Can you put this all together the night before and then start your croc pot the day of or does it make the noodles too soft?
I just made this and love it! However, you did not mention when to put the pasta into the crockpot..I put it in first.
Hi! You did it correctly. I’ll update the recipe to make it more clear. Glad you enjoyed it!
My family loves this, I make on busy nights. Sometimes some of the pasta can get dry. I’m gonna put a little olive oil in my pasta to see if that prevents it.
I didn’t see where you were suppose to add the onion or did I read it wrong?
Hi Debbie, you add the onion to the ground beef while browning it to give it some extra flavor.
This looks realy yummy, I love crock pot recipes and I love pizza!
Just came across this and I’m making it now. Could I speed up cooking process to 2 hours by cooking it on high in the crockpot?
Love this! Great for the summer when it’s too hot to use the grill or oven. My family all loves it.
What weight or volume is the pizza sauce, we don’t have cans of sauce here in Australia. It is hard to make many of the recipes when there is no metric volume.
Thanks
Hi Pauline, the pizza sauce is 14 oz per can. Hope that helps! You can use less or more depending on your taste.