Low Carb Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for those who crave the flavors of pizza without the carbs. Imagine diving into a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole that’s bursting with the goodness of your favorite pizza toppings. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and making your stomach rumble in anticipation. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
This delightful casserole has been a family favorite during game nights and movie marathons. It’s easy to whip up and brings everyone together for a deliciously satisfying meal that feels indulgent but won’t break your carb count.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight staple
- Its rich flavors and melty cheese make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages
- The colorful layers create a feast for the eyes, ensuring it stands out on any dinner table
- Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s taste
I remember the first time I served this Low Carb Pizza Casserole at a family gathering; everyone devoured it within minutes, leaving me wondering if I needed to hide leftovers next time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthy while still adding robust flavor.
Pepperoni: Choose thick slices for that authentic pizza experience; they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
Pizza Sauce: Use low-carb store-bought sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian spices.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor; always choose fresh over canned for best results.
Zucchini Noodles: Zoodles act as the noodle substitute here—light and full of fiber.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a sturdy baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. The sizzling sound will make you hungry!
Sauté veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms into the skillet with the beef. Cook until they soften and release their delicious aroma.
Layer ingredients: In your greased baking dish, spread half of the zucchini noodles evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the meat mixture followed by half of the pizza sauce.
Add cheese and repeat: Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese on top before repeating with another layer of zucchini noodles, meat mixture, sauce, and finishing with cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell like a pizzeria!
Let cool: Once baked to perfection, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth on hot cheese!
Now gather around with friends or family; this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is sure to be a hit!
You Must Know
- This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is not only delicious but also a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- It’s customizable with your favorite toppings and the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the dinner table
- Trust me, leftovers (if there are any) taste even better!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the ground meat until browned. While it cooks, chop vegetables and prepare the sauce to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have. Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate flavors too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that adapts well to various diets
- You can easily make it vegetarian by using plant-based meats or just extra veggies
- The blend of spices and cheeses creates a mouthwatering experience that feels indulgent without the carbs!
The first time I made this Low Carb Pizza Casserole, my friends couldn’t believe it was low carb. They devoured it and asked for seconds, which was honestly a huge relief!
FAQ
What types of cheese work best for Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
Use mozzarella, cheddar, or any melty cheese you love for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids enjoy pizza flavors, and this casserole is easy to customize with their favorite toppings.
Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for satisfying cravings without the carbs. This hearty dish features layers of savory ground beef, pepperoni, colorful vegetables, and gooey cheese—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 oz pepperoni (thick slices)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup low-carb pizza sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh)
- 2 cups zucchini noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms; sauté until softened.
- Layer half of the zucchini noodles in the baking dish, followed by half of the meat mixture and half of the pizza sauce. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
