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Introduction
Low-Carb Pizza Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that captures the joy of traditional pizza while keeping carbs in check. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or satisfying cravings without compromising your wellness goals.
Origin
This recipe grew out of the low-carb and keto movements, where home cooks sought guilt-free versions of classic comfort foods. By replacing dough with vegetable or protein-based layers, pizza became accessible to those avoiding refined carbs.
Cultural Significance
Pizza is universally loved, symbolizing togetherness and indulgence. Low-carb variations like this casserole show how adaptable comfort foods have become, allowing diverse dietary lifestyles to enjoy familiar flavors in nourishing ways.
Ingredients Quantity
For a 6-serving casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced olives
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Spinach
- Cauliflower rice as a base layer
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
Tips for Success
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use a sugar-free marinara to keep carbs low.
- Layer cheese evenly to create that classic pizza pull and rich flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, and seasonings. Sauté until vegetables soften.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top evenly with mozzarella and cheddar.
- Add olives, pepperoni, or other optional toppings.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Description
This casserole delivers cheesy, meaty, savory pizza flavor in a hearty low-carb format. It’s rich, satisfying, and customizable, making it ideal for families or individuals watching their carb intake without giving up their favorite foods.
Nutritional Information
(Approx. per serving, using standard ingredients)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 6–8g (net)
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: 1–2g
Conclusion
Low-Carb Pizza Casserole is a simple, delicious way to enjoy pizza night while staying aligned with your nutritional goals. It brings flavor, comfort, and convenience together in one dish.
Recommendation
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to make a balanced, satisfying meal. This recipe also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This casserole proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite flavors. By focusing on fresh ingredients and mindful substitutions, you can indulge in a dish that is both comforting and nourishing — a perfect example of healthful indulgence at its best.
If you want, I can also format this as a printable recipe card or add variations like vegetarian or dairy-free!