Crockpot Pizza Casserole

This Crockpot Pizza Casserole has all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love of a pizza, with the convenience of a slow cooker. Packed with beef, pepperoni, melty cheese, and peppers, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with family favorites like different veggies, pineapple and ham, or spicy pork sausage, and let the crockpot do the work.

Pizza is a staple in our home, and we have had tremendous success with finding gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice flavor. Between our Pizza Pot Pie, Rectangle Pizza and Flatbread Pizza, this crustless pizza is quickly becoming a popular choice. Not only does it feature famous flavors, but it can also be made in advance just like our Par Baked Pizza.

Make as is or personalize this simple meal before serving as a weeknight dinner, fun alternative to pizza night or the next time you need to feed a crowd. Give it a try and watch it become a household favorite for your family too!

Reasons You Need To Make Crock Pot Pizza

• Quick and Easy: This casserole recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. It involves browning and seasoning beef then mixing in the other ingredients before layering into a slow cooker.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole can be prepared in advance then placed in the fridge until ready to cook. Plan to assemble during less hectic moments like in the evening then simply turn on the slow cooker the next morning.
• Versatility: This slow cooker pizza casserole can be personalized to suit various preferences. Simply adjust the ingredients based on what you have available or to accommodate any specific dietary needs.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be a substitute for the beef. Crumbled tofu or cooked lentils can also be seasoned and used for vegetarian alternatives.
• Spices: the combination of Italian seasoning, dried minced onion, garlic powder and salt adds a dynamic flavor while keeping the blend kid-approved. If you desire a hint of spice, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes into the mix.
• Green bell pepper: we used a green bell pepper; however, you could also choose yellow, red, orange or a combo to add color.
• Pizza sauce: read the ingredient label before purchasing to ensure you select a gluten-free option to accommodate any dietary restrictions.  
• Crushed tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes can be swapped if in a pinch then either blended for a smooth texture or left as is for a chunkier version.
• Turkey pepperoni: beef or pork pepperoni can also be used or the pepperoni can be replaced entirely with Canadian bacon, crumbled sausage or sliced mushrooms for a plant-based substitute.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: looking for a dairy-free option? Consider plant-based mozzarella shreds or sprinkle nutritional yeast right before serving for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How To Make Crock Pot Pizza

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until cooked through. Stir frequently to break up the beef, until it is browned. We recommend a lean ground beef such as 90/10; however, excess fat can be drained if using 80/20 or 70/30 meat.

Once the ground beef is browned, reduce the heat to low and add the Italian seasoning, minced onion, garlic powder, and salt. Stir this mixture to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the beef. Allow to cook for 1-2 additional minutes to further blend the flavors. Turn off the heat then remove the skillet from the stovetop.

To the base of the crockpot layer the beef mixture, green pepper, pizza sauce, crushed tomatoes, and most of the pepperonis (reserve some for the top). Stir well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or low for 4-6 hours. Once time is up, add the cheese and top with the remaining pepperoni. Cover and let the cheese melt, about 5 minutes. You can stir the dish to incorporate the melted cheese or serve it as is with the cheesy topping.

How To Serve Pizza Casserole

The dish can be spooned into bowls and served over gluten-free pasta, rice or a crusty bread for a hearty and flavorful meal. We especially love to bake a fresh loaf of Gluten Free Artisan Bread or opt for a pre-made gluten-free garlic bread on busy evenings.

Since this recipe is fairly low in carbs, you could pair it with cauliflower rice or breadsticks and zucchini noodles or baked zucchini fries for a perfect complement. A mix of fresh tomatoes and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze will keep the meal light as well. Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a veggie side such as sauteed garlic green beans, roasted vegetable medley or a crisp Caesar salad.

Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips

• Control the heat: When browning the ground meat, make sure your heat is medium-high, but don’t let it get too high to avoid burning. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Personalize with toppings: Instead of changing the ingredients in the slow cooker, plan to personalize with a “pizza toppings bar”. Friends and family can add any desired toppings to their bowl such as Parmesan cheese, veggies or additional protein.
• Use an appropriate sized crockpot: You will want to choose a crockpot that is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and deep enough, so the ingredients don’t bubble over. We recommend a 7-quart slow cooker or larger.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole Variations

Being able to personalize your pizza is one of our family’s favorite things about this homemade pizza recipe. In addition to adding different veggies, pineapple and ham, or spicy pork sausage, here are delicious topping combinations to offer a mix of classic yet creative flavors:

• Classic Margherita: Top with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and slices of tomato.
• Pepperoni Deluxe: Add mushrooms, black olives and crumbled cooked sausage as a final topping.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken and stir bbq sauce into the pizza sauce before finishing off the casserole with diced red onion.
• Mediterranean Twist: Omit the pepperoni then top with feta cheese, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and red onion.
• Buffalo Chicken: Similar to the bbq chicken option, swap the ground beef for shredded chicken and stir buffalo sauce into the pizza sauce before finishing off the casserole with red onion and blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggie Supreme: Mushrooms, onions, black olives, fresh spinach, broccoli florets and artichoke hearts can add a nutrient boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This easy crustless pizza recipe is a wonderful dinner idea that can also be meal prepped in advance. Making a full batch allows you to serve for dinner then store the leftovers either in the fridge or freezer.

• Transfer the cooled leftovers into a container then store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Kids can pack in a thermos for school, parents can enjoy as a work from home lunch, or it can be reheated for dinner.
• For a freezer meal, portion into shallow containers to easily reheat individual servings or toss into a large container for a bulk portion. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• From the fridge, reheat in a microwave safe bowl in 30-second increments or toss in a preheated oven until hot. You can add a new layer of cheese if desired.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight then microwave or place in a preheated oven to reheat until warmed through.

More Kid-Friendly Crockpot Meals

Having a solid list of crockpot meals for kids will ease busy nights and keep the whole family nourished. In addition to this pizza casserole recipe, check out our other family favorites!

• Crockpot Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Chunky Vegetable Soup
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken & Vegetables
• Gluten Free Slow Cooker Meatloaf
• Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice