Slow-Cooker Pizza

Slow-Cooker Pizza is a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza. Instead of a pizza crust, this dish layers cooked egg noodles with savory ground beef, bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, and two kinds of cheese. With minimal effort and all the delicious pizza flavors, this slow-cooker recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow-Cooker Pizza offers all the flavor of a pizza, but with the convenience of a slow cooker! The layers of egg noodles, savory meat sauce, melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni come together in a hearty, cheesy dish that’s incredibly satisfying. The best part? It requires very little prep work and can cook while you relax or do other things. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) wide egg noodles
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
• 1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni, halved
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the meat mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey), green bell pepper, and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
3. Combine the cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
4. Layer in the slow cooker: Coat a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Start by spreading a third of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with a third of the cooked noodles, followed by a third of the pepperoni slices and cheese mixture. Repeat these layers two more times, pressing down gently to compact the layers.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Once done, serve the Slow-Cooker Pizza hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef or turkey and use a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers, to make a vegetarian version.
• Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef for sausage or chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Toppings: Add additional pizza toppings like olives, green onions, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: Try adding other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular spaghetti noodles instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti noodles or any pasta of your choice for the egg noodles. Just cook the noodles according to the package instructions and use them in the recipe.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time (cook the noodles, brown the meat, and prepare the sauce), and then layer and cook in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?

Yes, homemade spaghetti sauce can be used in place of store-bought sauce. It will add a more personalized flavor to the dish.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! You can mix and match cheeses to suit your taste, like adding Gouda, Parmesan, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack for some heat.

5. Can I add more meat?

Yes, you can increase the amount of ground beef or turkey for a meatier dish. You can also mix in sausage or pepperoni for extra flavor.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven or heat it in the microwave.

7. Can I use a smaller slow cooker?

If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the quantities or layers. A 3- or 4-quart slow cooker would work, but you might need to reduce the portion size or cook in smaller batches.

8. How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni to give the dish a little heat. You can also add diced jalapeños or a spicy sausage.

9. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, if you need it to cook faster, you can cook it on high for about 1-2 hours, but be sure to monitor it to prevent overcooking.

10. Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne, will work in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente before layering it.

Conclusion

Slow-Cooker Pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza with minimal effort. Layers of savory beef, gooey cheese, crunchy pepperoni, and tender noodles create a delicious comfort food dish that will be a hit with everyone. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this slow-cooker recipe makes meal prep a breeze while still delivering on flavor. Enjoy!

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