Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole (Print Format)
Pasta, peppers, sausage, and melted cheese combine for a flavorful, easy-to-make comfort dish.
# Ingredients:
01 -
12 ounces pasta (elbow or rotini), cooked until slightly underdone
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
04 -
1 cup yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
28 ounces pizza sauce
07 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 -
1 green bell pepper, chopped
11 -
1 red bell pepper, chopped
12 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 -
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
14 -
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
# Steps:
01 -
Cook pasta according to package instructions until slightly underdone, about 2 minutes before reaching al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and brown, breaking it into smaller pieces. Add diced onions during the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften slightly, and garlic during the last minute.
03 -
Mix red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika into the pizza sauce until well combined.
04 -
Pour one-third of the pizza sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly. Add one-third of the pasta, followed by one-third of the sausage and onions. Sprinkle one-third of the green and red bell peppers over the sausage mixture. Add one-third of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses, then top with some pepperoni slices. Repeat this layering process two more times until all ingredients are used.
05 -
Secure the slow cooker lid. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 -
Serve the dish warm and enjoy.