Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe

Pizza is a beloved comfort food that many of us enjoy on a weekly basis. However, if you’re watching your carb intake or following a low-carb or keto diet, the traditional pizza crust can be a no-go. But don’t worry! You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza without the guilt or carb overload. Enter: the Low Carb Pizza Casserole!

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole recipe provides all the savory, cheesy, meaty, and flavorful goodness of pizza, but without the crust. It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking to cut down on carbs while still indulging in a pizza-like experience.

Why Choose a Low Carb Pizza Casserole?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to discuss why you might want to choose a low carb pizza casserole over the traditional pizza.

• Fewer Carbs, More Nutrients: Traditional pizza crust is made from flour, which is high in carbs and low in nutritional value. A low carb pizza casserole, on the other hand, uses ingredients like cauliflower, meat, and cheese, which are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
• Weight Loss or Maintenance: If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, reducing your carb intake can help. A low-carb pizza casserole is a satisfying and filling meal that keeps you full for hours without the blood sugar spikes associated with pizza crust.
• Suitable for Various Diets: Whether you follow a keto, paleo, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyle, a pizza casserole can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs.
• Flavorful and Versatile: This casserole still delivers all the flavors you love about pizza—melty cheese, savory meats, veggies, and pizza sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can change up the toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice

• If you’re using fresh cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse it in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like texture.
• If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, simply thaw and drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Once it’s tender and slightly golden, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

• In the same skillet, add the ground beef (or other meat of your choice). Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Brown the meat for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed cauliflower rice, cooked ground beef, pepperoni slices, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese.
• Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should have a thick, sticky texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
• Pour the casserole mixture into the dish and spread it evenly, pressing down lightly to ensure it’s compact.
• Spoon the pizza sauce on top of the casserole mixture and spread it evenly over the surface.
• Sprinkle an additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
• If you’d like a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves or any additional toppings you prefer.
• Slice and serve hot!

Toppings and Variations for Your Low Carb Pizza Casserole

One of the best things about pizza is the endless possibilities for toppings. The same goes for this low carb pizza casserole. Here are some ideas for variations:

Meat Lovers’ Casserole:

Add extra meats like bacon, sausage, or even chicken. This variation will make it even more hearty and protein-packed.

Veggie Casserole:

Swap out the pepperoni for a variety of vegetables. Try bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed casserole.

Spicy Casserole:

For a little heat, add red pepper flakes, hot sausage, or jalapeños to your casserole mixture.

Margherita Casserole:

Keep it simple by using just fresh mozzarella, a few fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of garlic for a Margherita-inspired casserole.

Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Pizza Casserole

• Avoid Soggy Casserole: Be sure to cook your cauliflower rice thoroughly to remove excess moisture. You can also use a kitchen towel to pat it dry before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add a Crunch: If you miss the crispy crust, you can sprinkle some crushed pork rinds on top before baking for an extra crunch.
• Customize to Taste: Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your tastes. Use your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables to make this casserole your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this Low Carb Pizza Casserole? Yes! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! You can use cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses to customize the flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this casserole dairy-free, swap the cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a non-dairy cream cheese option.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves pizza but wants to avoid the carbs. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that combines all the great flavors of pizza in a low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly format. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings!

Yield: 6

Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe

Print

Pizza is a beloved comfort food that many of us enjoy on a weekly basis. However, if you’re watching your carb intake or following a low-carb or keto diet, the traditional pizza crust can be a no-go. But don't worry! You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza without the guilt or carb overload. Enter: the Low Carb Pizza Casserole!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or sausage, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 jar (14 oz) low-carb pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (optional, or any low-carb topping of your choice)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add vegetables: Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
5. Add sauce: Pour in the low-carb pizza sauce, stir, and simmer for 3–4 minutes to heat through.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese (if using). Add pepperoni slices or any other low-carb toppings on top.
7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley (optional), and serve hot.

Notes

You can easily swap the ground beef for another protein like turkey, chicken, or sausage.

Feel free to add other low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

For a more "crust-like" texture, you can pre-bake a cauliflower or almond flour crust as the base of the casserole before adding the toppings and baking.

If you prefer a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the mix.