✅ Keto-friendly
✅ Simple, baked, cheesy comfort food
✅ Family-approved & meal-prep friendly
Introduction
Craving pizza but trying to cut back on carbs? This Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole has all the gooey cheese, rich sauce, savory meat, and bold pizza flavor you love — without the crust. Instead of dough, this casserole uses seasoned ground meat and low-carb vegetables as the hearty, satisfying base. It bakes into a bubbly, cheesy dish that tastes like your favorite pizzeria classic, but keeps things light and guilt-free.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, keto meal prep, or when you just want comfort food without the carb crash. And the best part? You can customize it just like ordering your favorite pizza — choose your toppings, make it spicy, or keep it simple and classic.
Ingredients List
For the Base
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pizza Layers
- 1 1/2 cups low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~35 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Base
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground meat and onion. Cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
Add garlic, mushrooms, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften and liquid reduces.
Step 2: Build the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly into a baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella (and cheddar if using).
Top with pepperoni slices and olives.
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes, or until:
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Pepperoni edges are slightly crispy
Step 4: Serve
Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~390 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Carbs | ~6g net carbs |
Naturally keto, low-carb, gluten-free, and high-protein.
Healthier & Dietary Alternatives
| Goal | Swap |
|---|---|
| Lower Fat | Use ground turkey & part-skim mozzarella |
| Higher Veggies | Add spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower |
| Spicy Version | Add crushed red pepper or spicy pepperoni |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free cheese & olive oil drizzle |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with:
- A simple leafy green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or zucchini
- Cauliflower rice
- Garlic butter sautéed greens
It also works great for meal prep — reheats beautifully and keeps its texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Casserole comes out watery | Cook vegetables thoroughly to release moisture first |
| Cheese burns | Cover loosely with foil during last 10 minutes |
| Lacks flavor | Season meat layer well — spices make the difference |
| Sauce tastes too sweet | Choose a low-sugar marinara or canned crushed tomatoes |
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: 300°F oven or microwave in 45-second bursts
Great for batch cooking and weekly meal planning.
Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole delivers all the cheesy pizza satisfaction you crave — without the carbs or complicated prep. It’s hearty, customizable, inexpensive, and comforting enough to become a regular dinner favorite. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or just love delicious baked meals, this casserole hits all the right notes.
Make it tonight — and don’t forget to try your favorite pizza topping variations!
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat?
Yes — shred and layer under the sauce instead of browning.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
3. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes — especially if you keep the toppings classic and mild.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — bake in a 9×13 dish and add 10 minutes to cook time.
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