I can still remember the aroma that would fill our kitchen every time my mom decided to make pizza. It wasn’t just the smell of baking dough and tomato sauce; it was a comforting, homey scent that signaled family time and deliciousness. Now, as I navigate a low-carb lifestyle, I thought those pizza nights were a thing of the past.
But I missed those flavors too much! That’s why I set out to create a dish that captured the essence of pizza without all the carbs. Enter this amazing low carb pizza casserole!
It reminds me so much of those cherished moments around the dinner table, and it’s become a weeknight staple in our home. Speaking of weeknight staples, for another easy and cheesy dinner, check out this cheesy hamburger potato casserole.
Why you’ll love this Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
- This low carb pizza casserole is packed with all the classic pizza flavors you love, without the guilt.
- It’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it a healthier option than traditional pizza.
- This casserole is easily customizable – add your favorite toppings and cheeses to make it your own.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple, readily available ingredients.
- Leftovers taste amazing and can be easily reheated for lunch or another dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced turkey turkey turkey turkey pepperoni (or other toppings of choice)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Directions
Step 1
Low carb pizza casserole makes every moment feel comforting. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2
In a large skillet, brown ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess grease. Removing the grease is crucial for keeping the casserole low-carb and flavorful.
Step 3
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Cooking the vegetables first helps to release their flavors and adds a nice texture to the casserole.
Step 4
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich, delicious sauce.
Step 5
Pour the meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Make sure the sauce covers the bottom of the dish for even flavor distribution.
Step 6
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. This layer of cheese will help bind the casserole together and add a creamy texture.
Step 7
Top with sliced turkey turkey turkey turkey pepperoni and mushrooms (if using), then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Feel free to get creative with your toppings – use whatever low-carb options you love!
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 9
Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
One of the best things about this low carb pizza casserole is how easily you can customize it. Try adding different vegetables like olives, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick if you like a little heat.
You could also experiment with different types of cheeses. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar would be delicious. Feel free to substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Consider adding a layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese for an extra creamy texture. If you are a fan of spicy food, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some pickled peppers to the meat sauce.
Pairings
This low carb pizza casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with some steamed green beans or asparagus for a healthy and satisfying meal.
For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a bowl of zucchini noodles topped with pesto. If you’re looking for a low-carb appetizer to start with, try some stuffed mushrooms or a cheese and vegetable platter.
The flavors in this casserole also go well with a side of roasted cauliflower or broccoli. The key is to choose sides that are light and don’t overpower the flavors of the casserole.
Serving ideas
For an attractive presentation, garnish the low carb pizza casserole with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance. Serve it straight from the baking dish for a rustic look, or portion it out onto individual plates.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can set up a pizza topping bar so everyone can customize their own portion. Consider offering a variety of cheeses, vegetables, and meats. For more cheesy goodness, check out Cook Reel’s article on English muffin breakfast pizza; you might find some topping inspiration there!
You can also cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve it as an appetizer at a party. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be a nice addition on top of each serving. Don’t forget to offer a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or marinara.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover low carb pizza casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When reheating from frozen, you may need to add a little extra cheese on top to freshen it up. Avoid refreezing the casserole after it has been thawed.
Make-ahead
This low carb pizza casserole is a great meal prep option. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
If you’re making it ahead, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Make sure the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly before serving. You can also prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to assemble the casserole, simply spread the sauce in the baking dish, top with cheese and toppings, and bake. This can save you even more time on busy weeknights.
Common mistakes when making Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- Not draining the grease from the meat: This can make the casserole greasy and less flavorful. Always drain the excess grease after browning the meat.
- Overcooking the casserole: This can dry out the meat and make the cheese tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Using too much sauce: This can make the casserole soggy. Use the recommended amount of sauce and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
- Not seasoning the meat and sauce properly: This can result in a bland casserole. Be sure to season generously with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.
- Skipping the resting period: Letting the casserole stand for a few minutes after baking allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Final notes
This low carb pizza casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without sacrificing your health goals. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and cheeses to create your own unique version.
Remember, cooking should be fun and creative! So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make a delicious and healthy meal. I hope this low carb pizza casserole becomes a new favorite in your household.
Loved this Low Carb Pizza Casserole? Try these next
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
- Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
- Low Carb Taco Salad
- Chicken Fajita Skillet
Low Carb Pizza Casserole
A delicious and easy low-carb pizza casserole that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with all your favorite pizza flavors without the carbs!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced turkey turkey turkey pepperoni (or other toppings of choice)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
- Top with sliced turkey turkey turkey pepperoni and mushrooms (if using), then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can also add other low-carb vegetables like olives, spinach, or zucchini. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg