Table of Contents

Crock Pot Pizza Supreme: A Family Favorite Made Easy

I have the fondest memories of pizza night growing up. While we usually ordered takeout, my mom had a knack for making simple, comforting versions at home that were just as satisfying. This Crock Pot Pizza Supreme brings back those feelings – the warmth of the tomato sauce, the gooey cheese, and the excitement of digging into a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s the kind of recipe that fills both your belly and your heart, and I’m thrilled to share this easy, delicious twist on a classic!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours on High, then Low until serving
Total Time: Up to 3 hours
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 Crock Pot Full
Dietary Type: Can be adapted for Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

1/2 lb 94% fat-free ground beef, cooked, divided use
1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Vegetable oil cooking spray
3 cups dry rotini pasta, divided use
3 (15 ounce) cans seasoned tomato sauce, for pizza, divided use
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup green pepper, cut into matchstick size pieces
1 (4 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained, divided use
1 1/2 cups shredded 94% fat-free mozzarella cheese or 1 1/2 cups 94% fat-free mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese, divided use (1.5g fat per 1/4 cup)
24 slices turkey pepperoni, halved, divided use
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

Crock-Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
Large skillet
Colander
Cutting board
Knife

Instructions

Begin by lightly spraying your crock-pot with vegetable oil cooking spray. This will prevent the pizza supreme from sticking to the bottom during the cooking process and make clean-up much easier.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
Sprinkle the cooked ground beef with the Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Set aside.
Now it’s time to start layering the ingredients in the crock-pot. Place 1 cup of dry rotini pasta in the bottom of the sprayed crock-pot. It’s important to use dry pasta, as it will cook in the sauce during the cooking process.
Cover the pasta with 1 can of seasoned tomato sauce. Spread the sauce evenly over the pasta.
Next, add 1/3 cup of chopped onion, 1/3 cup of green pepper, and 1/3 can of drained mushrooms over the sauce. Distribute the vegetables evenly.
Spread 1/3 of the seasoned ground beef over the vegetables.
Top with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 16 pepperoni halves. Arrange the pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
Repeat steps 3 through 8, layering the ingredients two more times in the same order: 1 cup pasta, 1 can tomato sauce, 1/3 cup onion, 1/3 cup green pepper, 1/3 can mushrooms, 1/3 seasoned ground beef, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 16 pepperoni halves.
Garnish the top layer with 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese. This will add a nice salty and savory flavor to the finished dish.
Cover the crock-pot with the lid.
Cook on high for 1-2 hours, or until the noodles are tender. Check the pasta for doneness after 1 hour. If the noodles are not tender, continue cooking for up to another hour.
Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low and keep the crock-pot covered until you are ready to serve. This will keep the pizza supreme warm and prevent it from drying out.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef! This step adds depth of flavor and prevents the pizza supreme from tasting bland.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, especially on high heat. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
Cheese It Up: For an extra cheesy pizza supreme, add an additional 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the top layer before serving.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a touch of heat.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the pizza supreme in the crock-pot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply start the cooking process.
Prevent Sticking: Even with cooking spray, sometimes the bottom can stick. Consider using a crockpot liner for super easy clean up.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Crock Pot Pizza Supreme hot, straight from the crock-pot. You can serve it in bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire batch in the crock-pot on low heat.

This dish is best enjoyed within a few days and is not recommended for long-term freezer storage, as the pasta texture may change.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	364 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	106 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	11.8 g	18%
Saturated Fat	5.7 g	28%
Cholesterol	41.4 mg	13%
Sodium	1151.9 mg	47%
Total Carbohydrate	45.6 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	4.6 g	18%
Sugars	9.4 g	N/A
Protein	20.2 g	40%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta.
Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and pepperoni. Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use plant-based ground “beef” crumbles.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan cheese alternatives.
Different Meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken.
Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or ground beef.
Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
Crustless Pizza: Instead of pasta, try adding cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular ground beef instead of 94% fat-free?
A: Yes, you can. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent the pizza supreme from becoming greasy.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.

Q: Can I add other toppings?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, or extra cheese.

Q: How do I know when the pasta is cooked through?
A: The pasta is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Check the pasta’s texture after 1 hour of cooking on high and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: While technically possible, freezing and reheating isn’t ideal for pasta dishes cooked in a slow cooker. The pasta can become mushy. If you must freeze, do so in an airtight container for no more than a month.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Pizza Supreme is a simple, satisfying, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a wonderful way to bring the flavors of pizza to the table in a comforting and easy-to-prepare format. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite toppings and variations. Enjoy the deliciousness and share the love with your family and friends. And be sure to let me know in the comments how it turns out! Buon appetito!

Crock Pot Pizza Supreme Recipe