Description
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on the traditional pizza? Say hello to Crock Pot Pizza Casserole – a savory ensemble of rotini pasta, zesty Italian sausage, onions, cheeses, pizza sauce, and a creamy mushroom soup. This slow cooker wonder promises to be your new favorite comfort food, effortlessly prepared with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Rotini pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup onions (about 1 small onion)
- 3 cups pizza sauce or 2 (14 ounce) jars
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups Colby jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta until just under al dente according to package instructions.
- Brown the Sausage: In a medium pan over medium heat, warm olive oil and add the ground Italian sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Mix it Up: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, salt, pepper, onions, pizza sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and half of each cheese.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker insert, then pour the mixed ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Layer on the Cheeses: Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella, Colby jack, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 1 1/2-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Accompaniments: Serve this delicious casserole with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or some garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite pizza toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or pepperoni for added variety and personalization.
- Portion Control: Use a spatula or serving spoon to dish out individual servings, ensuring that everyone gets a fair share of this delectable dish.
- Family Style: Place the slow cooker on the table and let everyone serve themselves, fostering a cozy and communal dining experience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual portions of the cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.
- Reviving Flavor: For best results, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavors and maintain that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Enjoying Leftovers: Leftover casserole makes for a convenient and satisfying meal prep option for busy weekdays or lazy evenings when you crave a quick and comforting dinner without the hassle of cooking from scratch.