Ultimate Crock Pot Pizza Bake
Indulge in the flavors of a classic pizza with a twist in this Ultimate Crock Pot Pizza Bake. This hearty one-dish meal is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or busy weeknights. Layered with tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a blend of scrumptious cheeses, each serving is a delightful burst of pizza goodness. With minimal prep and the convenience of slow cooking, this dish not only satisfies cravings but also allows for easy sharing with friends and loved ones. Rest assured, this crowd-pleaser is sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
8
Servings
289
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1/2 lb (Cooked and seasoned with Italian seasoning)
Italian seasoning
1.5-2 teaspoons (To season ground beef)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the crock pot)
Rotini pasta
3 cups (Dry)
Seasoned tomato sauce
3 (15-ounce) cans (For layering)
Chopped onion
1 cup (Fresh)
Green pepper
1 cup (Cut into matchstick-sized pieces)
Mushroom stems and pieces
1 (4-ounce) can (Drained)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups (Divided for layering)
Turkey pepperoni
24 slices (Halved for layering)
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the interior of your crock pot generously with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with Italian seasoning, mixing thoroughly. Set the seasoned meat aside.
3
Layer the ingredients in your crock pot: Start with 1 cup of dry rotini pasta to create the base.
4
Cover the pasta with one can of seasoned tomato sauce, ensuring an even spread across the surface.
5
Add 1/3 cup of chopped onion, 1/3 cup of matchstick-sized green pepper, and 1/3 of the drained mushroom pieces.
6
Distribute 1/3 of the seasoned ground beef over the vegetable layer, followed by 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 8 halves of turkey pepperoni.
7
Repeat this layering process two additional times, accumulating flavors with every layer.
8
Finish the dish by garnishing with 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
9
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or until the rotini pasta is tender.
10
Once cooked, reduce the heat to low to keep warm until you are ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Crock Pot Pizza Bake?
It is a hearty one-dish meal layered with rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheeses, cooked in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a serving?
Each serving contains 289 calories.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of dry rotini pasta.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?
No, the recipe specifies using dry rotini pasta.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1/2 lb of ground beef.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be cooked and seasoned with Italian seasoning before layering.
What vegetables are used in this pizza bake?
The vegetables include 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of matchstick-sized green peppers, and a 4-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
You should use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to season the ground beef.
What kind of tomato sauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 (15-ounce) cans of seasoned tomato sauce.
What cheeses are included in the dish?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the green peppers?
The green peppers should be cut into matchstick-sized pieces.
What type of pepperoni is recommended?
The recipe calls for 24 slices of turkey pepperoni, halved for layering.
How long does the dish need to cook in the crock pot?
Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or until the pasta is tender.
Should I grease the slow cooker?
Yes, spray the interior generously with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How many layers are in the pizza bake?
The layering process is repeated three times in total.
What is the order of the layers?
The layers consist of dry pasta, tomato sauce, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, seasoned beef, mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 40g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
What should I do once the cooking time is complete?
Reduce the heat to low to keep the dish warm until you are ready to serve.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The dish is finished with a garnish of 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies a 4-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces, drained.
How much pasta is used per layer?
Each of the three layers starts with 1 cup of dry rotini pasta.
Can this recipe be used for game nights?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or busy weeknights.
Is the onion fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How much mozzarella is used per layer?
Since 1.5 cups are divided among three layers, you use 1/2 cup of mozzarella per layer.
How many slices of pepperoni go into each layer?
Each layer uses 8 halves of turkey pepperoni.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this dish.
What is the primary convenience of this recipe?
It offers minimal prep and the convenience of slow cooking, making it a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal.