Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings all the classic flavors of pizza into a healthy, low-carb format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this casserole combines ground meat, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings without the need for a crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of pizza while sticking to a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and it satisfies pizza cravings without the guilt. Plus, it’s family-friendly and reheats well for leftovers.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or ground sausage
- Low-carb marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add low-carb marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then layer on your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 and takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time, totaling approximately 35 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and load up on vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Different Cheeses: Try provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
- Chicken-Based: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Cauliflower Layer: Add a thin layer of roasted cauliflower at the bottom for extra bulk.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave portions for 1–2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What makes this pizza casserole low carb?
It eliminates traditional pizza crust and uses low-carb marinara and toppings to keep the carb count low.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
How can I increase the fiber content?
Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, just make sure to choose a brand with no added sugars.
What other meats can I use?
Italian sausage, ground pork, or even shredded chicken all work well.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
No, baking uncovered helps the cheese get that nice golden finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your marinara and other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How can I lower the sodium?
Use low-sodium cheese, sauce, and meats, and reduce added salt in the seasoning.
Conclusion
Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a wholesome, comforting meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With endless customization options and easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for satisfying, guilt-free pizza nights.
Print
Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy low-carb pizza casserole packed with cheesy goodness, savory meats, and pizza flavors without the crust—perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups low-carb marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12–15 slices of pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, olives, and green pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Spread half of the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and half the Parmesan.
- Layer the remaining meat mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Place pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar-free marinara to keep carbs low.
- Add or remove vegetables based on preference or carb count.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg