Name: Amazing Low Carb Pizza Casserole: 20 Min Prep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup pepperoni slices; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup marinara sauce (low carb); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Low Carb Pizza Casserole has completely changed my weeknight dinners. For years, I craved pizza but felt guilty about the carbs. Then, I discovered this incredible keto pizza casserole recipe, and it’s been a game-changer! Imagine all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza, but in a comforting, baked dish that’s surprisingly healthy. The aroma of simmering marinara, savory beef, and melty cheese filling my kitchen is pure bliss. This easy low carb pizza casserole is so simple to throw together, even after a long day. You won’t believe how satisfying it is without the crust! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Pizza Casserole

This dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: It tastes just like your favorite pizza, packed with savory beef, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheese.
Super Quick Prep: You can have this ready to bake in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick low carb pizza casserole option.
Healthier Choice: Enjoy pizza night guilt-free with a dish that’s low in carbs and sugar, supporting your wellness goals.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will devour this crowd-pleasing meal.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings for endless deliciousness.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, making this a truly quick low carb pizza casserole experience.

Ingredients for Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Gathering these simple low carb pizza casserole ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. I love how accessible everything is, making this recipe a go-to even when I haven’t planned ahead. For more recipe ideas, check out our latest recipes.

1 lb ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for great flavor, but 90/10 works too.
1 cup pepperoni slices – adds that classic pizza punch and a little spice.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – essential for that gooey, bubbly topping we all love.
1 cup bell peppers, chopped – I usually use a mix of red and green for color and sweetness.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced – they add a wonderful earthy depth.
1 cup marinara sauce (low carb) – make sure it’s a sugar-free variety to keep it low carb! Learn more about low-carb diets.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – this blend of herbs really brings out the pizza flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – just a pinch to enhance all the other delicious ingredients.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Learning how to make low carb pizza casserole is incredibly straightforward and rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, filling your kitchen with irresistible pizza aromas!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light grease so nothing sticks.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the 1 lb ground beef. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, then carefully drain off any excess fat. This step ensures a cleaner flavor profile for our casserole.
Step 3: Toss in the 1 cup chopped bell peppers and 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the browned beef. Sauté them until they start to soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes. I love the slight sweetness the peppers add here.
Step 4: Now, stir in the 1 cup low carb marinara sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This is where the magic of how to make low carb pizza casserole really starts to shine.
Step 5: Spoon the savory beef and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the 1 cup pepperoni slices evenly over the top, followed by the generous layer of 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Seeing all those toppings come together is a wonderful part of how to make low carb pizza casserole.
Step 6: Place the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously bubbly and has a lovely golden-brown hue. The scent filling your home at this stage is pure pizza heaven!
Step 7: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your amazing creation!

Amazing Low Carb Pizza Casserole: 20 Min Prep - Low Carb Pizza Casserole - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Want to elevate your pizza casserole game? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly exceptional. These simple tips ensure you get the most flavor and the best texture every time you make this favorite. For more tips, you can reach out to us via our contact page.

Always use a good quality, low-sugar marinara sauce; it makes a huge difference in the final taste and carb count.
Don’t skip draining the ground beef and the resting time after baking – these steps are crucial for texture.
Feel free to add other low-carb veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect low carb pizza bake?

The secret to the perfect low carb pizza bake is layering smartly and using a sugar-free marinara. Ensuring your cheese is evenly distributed creates that irresistible, bubbly top that makes this the best low carb pizza casserole.

Can I make this keto pizza casserole recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire keto pizza casserole recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. This is a great option for busy individuals, and you can learn more about our about Niki Air Fryer.

How do I avoid common mistakes with low carb pizza hotdish?

A common mistake with low carb pizza hotdish is using a marinara sauce with added sugar, which spikes the carbs. Also, be careful not to overcook the vegetables before baking, as they’ll continue to soften in the oven.

Best Ways to Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole

This versatile low carb pizza casserole is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with simple, fresh sides to round out the meal. Think of it as your new favorite way to enjoy pizza flavors without the crust!

Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterbalance to the rich, cheesy casserole. It adds a refreshing crunch and some extra nutrients.
Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: These simple steamed veggies are delicious and complement the Italian flavors beautifully. They are also great low carb pizza casserole toppings if you want to add them directly into the mix!
Garlic Cauliflower Mash: For something a bit more substantial, a creamy cauliflower mash seasoned with garlic is a wonderful, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts for Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional data, please refer to our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Proper easy low carb pizza casserole storage is key to enjoying this delicious dish even after the first serving. Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Rushing this step can lead to a soggy texture when reheating.

For refrigeration, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, the freezer is your best friend! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can reheat single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place larger portions back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can find more information on food storage on our terms of use page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Pizza Casserole

What is low carb pizza casserole?

What is low carb pizza casserole? It’s a delicious, crustless take on pizza! Instead of a traditional bread crust, it uses layers of savory ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, sauce, and cheese baked together in a dish. It delivers all the classic pizza flavors you love in a satisfying meal that fits a low-carbohydrate lifestyle.

Why is low carb pizza casserole healthy?

This low carb pizza casserole is considered healthy because it significantly cuts down on refined carbohydrates and sugars often found in traditional pizza crusts and sauces. It’s packed with protein from the meat and healthy fats from cheese and olive oil (if used), making it a more filling and blood-sugar-friendly option, which is great for weight management and overall wellness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this a dairy-free low carb pizza casserole! Simply swap the mozzarella cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. There are many excellent vegan cheese options available now that melt beautifully and provide that cheesy goodness without the dairy.

What are some other low carb pizza casserole ideas?

Beyond this recipe, you can get creative with your low carb pizza casserole ideas! Try adding spinach, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor. You could also experiment with different meats like Italian sausage or chicken. For a unique twist, consider using cauliflower rice as a base layer instead of just veggies and meat. For more information on GDPR, please visit GDPR.

Variations of Low Carb Pizza Casserole You Can Try

This low carb pizza casserole is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to fit different needs and tastes! I love exploring new ways to enjoy this dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Dairy-Free Delight: To create a dairy free low carb pizza casserole, simply swap the mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. There are many great options available now that melt wonderfully!
Spicy Sausage Version: For a flavor kick, try using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the veggie mix for extra heat.
Gluten-Free Goodness: This recipe is naturally gluten free low carb pizza casserole friendly since it doesn’t use a traditional crust. Just ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Sugar-Free Success: Always double-check your marinara sauce label to ensure it’s a sugar free pizza casserole option, as many store-bought sauces contain added sugars. This is key for keeping the carbohydrate count low.