Low Carb Pizza Casserole

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole has all the flavors of pizza without the crust! It’s an easy, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for satisfying those pizza cravings while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 1/2 cups low-carb marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any favorite pizza toppings)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Ground Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Add Marinara: Stir in the low-carb marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the meat, then layer with pepperoni slices or your preferred pizza toppings.

5. Top with Cheese: Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 6 servings)

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 600mg

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Pizza Flavor Without the Carbs: All the classic pizza flavors in a low-carb form.

• Customizable: Easily swap or add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, sausage, or spinach.

• Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, flavorful dish.

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Drain Excess Fat: If using ground beef, drain the excess fat before adding the marinara sauce to prevent the casserole from being greasy.

• Crispy Pepperoni: For crispy pepperoni, add half on top of the casserole in the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Let it Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets and is easier to cut.

Substitutions

• Ground Meat: Substitute ground chicken or pork sausage for ground beef or turkey.

• Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a veggie-loaded version.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives to make this casserole dairy-free.

• Lower Fat: Use part-skim mozzarella cheese or reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of Caesar salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Pair with garlic breadsticks made from almond flour for a complete low-carb pizza experience.

• Add a side of zoodles or spaghetti squash for extra vegetables.

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings all the best pizza flavors into a healthier, low-carb format!