Slow Cooker Pizza

Close up square image of a slice of pizza.

Ditch turning on the oven, instead make this simple and delicious Slow Cooker Pizza. Add your favorite toppings to make this your favorite for all your family pizza nights!

Prep Time20

Cook Time4 10

Total Time4 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 1311kcal

Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

For the sausage:

½ pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ teaspoons fennel seeds crushed
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

14 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

For assembly:

1 pound pizza dough thawed
8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan plus more for serving
Drizzle of olive oil
Fresh chopped parsley optional

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground pork, garlic, fennel, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage and break it up into crumbles, cooking it until cooked through and there is no pink left. Let it drain on paper towels.
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place a large piece of parchment paper on your work surface. Place the pizza dough in the center. Stretch it out to an oval shape or the shape of your 8-quart slow cooker.
Lift the pizza dough up using the parchment paper to help and place it in the slow cooker. If you have to adjust it more in the slow cooker, do so now.
Press the mozzarella into the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Add the cooked sausage on top, followed by the pizza sauce. Add the 2 tablespoons of parmesan and finally a drizzle of olive oil.
Carefully lift the edges of the crust, so it sits above the fillings.
Place a large piece of paper towel over the slow cooker and put the lid on. Place on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours.
Lift the pizza out by the parchment once it is done and let it sit for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with more parmesan and fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You only need half of the standard 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes to make the sauce, so I suggest saving the other half of the can to make another pizza tomorrow.
Feel free to use store bought dough, or make your own if you have a great homemade pizza dough recipe.
You can use whatever toppings and cheese you prefer.
Always line your slow cooker insert with the parchment paper so the dough doesn't stick and it's easier to take the pizza out to cut it.
Want to add more meat? Try using a 1/2 pound of your favorite Italian ground sausage.
If you want some heat in your sausage - use a half teaspoon or more of some crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little kick.

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