Ah, pizza night! It’s one of those glorious evenings where the aroma of melting cheese and savory toppings fills the house, and you can feel pure comfort just wafting through the air. But let’s be honest: sometimes, I crave that delicious pizza experience without the guilt of carbs weighing me down. Enter my beloved Low-Carb Pizza Casserole! This dish has turned from a weeknight dinner into a staple in our home and is perfect for anyone who’s a fan of pizza but wants to keep it low-carb.
I first tried this casserole at a friend’s dinner party, and let me tell you, it rocked my world! The melding of flavors is something I could only dream of until I discovered this gem. It’s super easy to whip up, and the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content. I’ve added different toppings and used various meats—whatever I have on hand—so this dish always feels fresh and exciting!
What’s in Low-Carb Pizza Casserole?
Let’s break down the star ingredients and see what makes this casserole shine.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This provides the protein base for the casserole. I usually grab lean ground beef for a healthier option, but Italian sausage offers a spice and flavor that can’t be beat!
Sliced Mushrooms: These lovely little guys add a rich, earthy flavor. I go for baby bella mushrooms, but any variety will do.
Green Bell Pepper: I love adding this for a pop of color and a delicious crunch. Plus, it complements the other flavors beautifully.
Onion: They bring sweet and savory notes to the dish. I prefer a sweet onion for this recipe, but yellow will work just as well.
Pizza Sauce: Here’s where the magic happens! Grab a low-carb pizza sauce to keep this dish healthy and indulgent.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: What’s pizza without cheese? The gooey, melty goodness holds this casserole together, and I recommend shredding your cheese fresh for the best texture.
Pepperoni Slices: The pièce de résistance! Nothing says pizza quite like pepperoni, and you can layer as much as you like.
Italian Seasoning: This brings all the classic Italian flavors to the table. A must!
Riced Cauliflower: This is totally optional, but I love using it for added volume and texture without the added carbs. Plus, it sneaks in some veggies!
Fresh Parsley: A beautiful garnish that also freshens up the dish.
Is Low-Carb Pizza Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic choice for those watching their carbs or anyone looking for a healthier yet hearty meal. It’s packed with protein from the ground meat and cheese, and when you throw in some veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, you get a beautiful array of vitamins and minerals to boot. Just be mindful of the portion sizes, especially if you’re sensitive to sodium from the pizza sauce and pepperoni.
If you’re aiming for a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp, green salad to add some crunch.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup onion, diced
– 1 jar (15 oz) pizza sauce (low-carb if desired)
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup pepperoni slices
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup riced cauliflower (optional for added volume)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 6, so it’s great for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
How to Make Low-Carb Pizza Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned. Feel free to drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Cook until the veggies soften up, about 5-7 minutes.
4. If you opted for riced cauliflower, now’s the time to mix that in. Stir it around until it’s heated through.
5. Pour in the pizza sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Mix everything well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your meat and vegetable mixture evenly along the bottom.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Then layer those pepperoni slices like a pizza!
8. Finally, add the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
9. Slide that masterpiece into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
10. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
11. Serve it up and enjoy your low-carb pizza casserole! It’s even better with a simple side salad to complement it!
Pizza Perfection Tips!
– For an extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top!
– If you want to switch up protein, turkey sausage is a great, lean alternative that still packs a punch.
– Feel free to experiment with other toppings like olives or green onions for extra pizza flair!
– Leftovers? They reheat beautifully! Just pop them in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
I can’t wait for you to try this delightful Low-Carb Pizza Casserole! It’s packed with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Be sure to let me know how it turns out and any fun modifications you made. Happy cooking!
