Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that captures all the flavors of a classic pizza without the crust. Perfect for anyone watching their carbs but craving a cheesy, meaty meal loaded with veggies and pepperoni.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
4. Step 4: Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Layer the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms over the meat mixture.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Scatter the sliced black olives and arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer.
9. Step 9: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
10. Step 10: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Step 11: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Try substituting Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Use different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Add extra vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, just be sure to choose a sugar-free or low-sugar variety to keep the carb count low.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned for quick meals throughout the week.

Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional pizza with the convenience of a casserole. Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, a medley of vegetables, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a satisfying low-carb meal that the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Toppings

• 2 cups chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Cheese

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until they are browned. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish low carb and less greasy.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meats. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the sugar-free marinara sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Stir everything together to combine and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the meat and sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish as the base layer.
6. Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms evenly over the meat mixture, adding vibrant color and texture.
7. First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the vegetable layer to start building the cheesy goodness.
8. Add Olives and Pepperoni: Scatter the sliced black olives and arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer for that classic pizza flavor.
9. Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
10. Bake Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned for the best flavor and texture.
11. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the carb count low.
• Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.

Keywords: low carb, pizza casserole, Italian sausage, ground beef, keto, gluten-free, mozzarella, easy dinner