Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious and simple dish that brings the pizza flavor you love but with fewer carbs. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy pizza without the added carbs from traditional crusts. It is easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With layers of meats, vegetables, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is satisfying and full of flavor.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Low Carb Pizza Casserole. First, it is easy to prepare. You do not need to be a master chef to make it. The steps are simple and straightforward. Second, it is a one-pan meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward. Third, this casserole is very versatile. You can change the ingredients based on what you like or have at home. Lastly, it is healthy and low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb diet. You can enjoy a comfort food favorite without feeling guilty.
HOW TO MAKE Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Making Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a simple process. Follow these easy steps to have a tasty dish ready in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following equipment:
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A measuring cup for the ingredients
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- An oven for baking
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare Low Carb Pizza Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup low-carb pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these simple steps to make your Low Carb Pizza Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook the meat until browned, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture smells great.
- Pour in the low-carb pizza sauce and mix well. Let the mix simmer for about five minutes so the flavors blend.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and provolone or cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture over the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese blend on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
HOW TO SERVE Low Carb Pizza Casserole
After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm. Cut pieces out like a pizza and place them on plates. You can add some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. It pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Low Carb Pizza Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store Low Carb Pizza Casserole easily. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you are ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Low Carb Pizza Casserole is very flexible when it comes to serving options. Here are a few suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a healthy balance.
- Top individual servings with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Serve with low-carb breadsticks for a fun combination.
VARIATIONS
You can customize this casserole based on your preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter option.
- Add other low-carb vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or olives for additional flavors.
- Swap mozzarella cheese for other favorite cheeses like feta or gouda.
- Experiment with different pizza sauces, such as pesto or Alfredo for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make Low Carb Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when ready to eat.
2. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
3. Can I use other meats in the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cooked meat you prefer, such as pepperoni, ham, or bacon.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
It is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake the next day.
- Another option is to assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Just remember to bake it on the day you plan to serve it.
- Portion the casserole into containers after cooking for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Low Carb Pizza Casserole provides a satisfying way to enjoy pizza without loading up on carbs, making it an appealing dish for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients and start making this delicious meal today!
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Low Carb Pizza Casserole
A delicious casserole that captures the flavor of pizza while being low in carbohydrates. Perfect for gatherings and easy to customize.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup low-carb pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook the meat until browned and no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the low-carb pizza sauce and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes to blend the flavors.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and provolone or cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture over the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese blend on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
This casserole is versatile; feel free to adjust the ingredients as per your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: low carb, pizza, casserole, gluten-free, easy recipe
