This simple gluten-free Crock-Pot Pizza Quinoa is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it weeknight meal that will satisfy your whole family!
So, we all love pizza, right? And we all love how simple a crock-pot meal is, right? Now, stay with me here. What if we made… pizza in a crock-pot?
Trust me, this wasn’t a mad dash to empty the remaining ingredients in my pantry – there’s a method to this madness! This crock-pot pizza quinoa is all about blending the flavors of classic pizza with a hearty, nutritious, and protein-packed base of quinoa.
Toss it all together in your slow cooker, and in a few hours you’ll have a one-dish wonder that’s comforting, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. No rolling dough or preheating ovens required!
Is Crock-Pot Pizza Quinoa Healthy?
While it might not replace your favorite slice of pepperoni, this pizza quinoa will definitely satisfy those pizza cravings in a healthier and simpler way!
By using quinoa as the base, you’re getting a hearty dose of protein and fiber, and swapping out regular pepperoni for lean turkey pepperoni and lean ground beef keeps the classic pizza flavor while lowering the fat content.
What is Quinoa?
Now, let’s talk quinoa. Often called a “pseudo-grain,” quinoa is technically a seed, but it acts like a grain in dishes like this. Its subtle nutty flavor and fluffy texture soak up all the pizza sauce, so you get a burst of flavor in every bite.
Quinoa is also a fantastic gluten-free option, making this recipe ideal for anyone cutting back on gluten while still craving a cozy, cheesy dish.
This recipe is customizable, so swap out the bell peppers for mushrooms or olives, or add some red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. You could even go meatless by swapping the ground beef and pepperoni for extra veggies or your favorite veggie sausage. Add fresh basil when serving for a gourmet finish!
How to make ahead and store
To keep leftovers for later, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, this pizza quinoa will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish both cooked or uncooked – just use freezer-safe bags to portion out single servings and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra pizza sauce if it’s looking dry. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re feeling fancy, I love to make this crock-pot pizza with Italian Sausage Meatballs instead of ground beef and pepperoni!
You can also never go wrong with a bit of green on the side. While I will always love a Caesar Salad, you can just dress your favorite greens in this Easy Italian Salad Dressing or this Creamy Balsamic Dressing to keep to the theme.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup pizza sauce divided plus additional for servings
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 1/3 cup turkey pepperonis halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces 93% lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese grated, plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray and add 1 cup of the pizza sauce (saving the rest for later), alongside the quinoa, green pepper, turkey pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir together.
- Add in the chicken broth and stir. Finally, crumble up the ground beef and stir it in.
- Set to HIGH heat and cook until the liquid is absorbed, the quinoa is tender, and the beef is cooked, about 2 to 3 hours (Mine only took 2 hours).
- Add in the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce and the cheese and stir. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, so the cheese can melt.
- Divide the quinoa between four plates and garnish with grated mozzarella cheese.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
I’m assuming this is uncooked quinoa?
Yes, the recipe uses uncooked quinoa. It cooks in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Made this for my family and a gathering with others and everyone loved it and wanted the recipe.
So glad you all enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for reading.