Description
Low Carb Pizza Casserole offers all the mouthwatering flavors of a classic pizza without the heavy carbs. This hearty, comforting casserole swaps out the traditional crust for a low-carb base of ground meat and fresh vegetables, layered with rich tomato sauce and a gooey blend of cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights, keto or low-carb lifestyles, and customizable to suit your favorite pizza toppings, this dish is satisfying, family-friendly, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 cup no-sugar-added marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Olives, sliced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, cooking until vegetables are slightly softened. Stir in Italian seasoning to infuse authentic pizza flavor.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Evenly add the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the sauce. Cover with another layer of tomato sauce. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top to ensure a cheesy, melty finish.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, melding all flavors perfectly.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and serving the flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh basil or oregano sprinkled on top after baking for an added burst of flavor.
- Do not skip the resting time to improve texture and flavor melding.
- Choose high-quality mozzarella for better melting and richer taste.
- Drain excess moisture from vegetables, especially zucchini, to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Add optional toppings like pepperoni or olives just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg