Name: Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey or beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free if preferred); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re craving pizza but want to stick to a low-carb or keto-friendly diet, this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a perfect solution. It combines all the delicious, cheesy, and savory flavors of pizza in a casserole form, making it an easy-to-make, satisfying dish. Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier version of pizza, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free if preferred)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors blend together.

Transfer the meat sauce mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat mixture.

Layer the pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings) over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is extremely versatile. Here are a few variations I like to try:

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Cheese Lovers: Add more cheese! I sometimes increase the mozzarella to 2 cups for extra cheesiness.

Crust Option: For a bit of extra texture, you could even add a low-carb cauliflower crust on the bottom of the casserole dish for a pizza-like base.

Spicy Kick: Add a few red pepper flakes to the sauce to bring in some heat.

Storage/Reheating

This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to store leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, I simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until it’s warmed through. If I’m in a rush, the microwave is always a quick option.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives like coconut-based or almond-based cheese. For the Parmesan, you can find plant-based versions or skip it entirely.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the day before and store it in the fridge, then bake it just before serving. If you're short on time, it’s great for meal prep.

Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! While I use ground turkey or beef, you can also use ground chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is very keto-friendly! It’s low in carbs, high in fat, and full of protein, making it a perfect meal for anyone following a keto diet.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s fully warmed through.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is an absolute winner in my book. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like pizza—without all the carbs! I love how versatile it is, too, allowing for countless variations depending on my mood or dietary preferences. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or prepping for the week, this casserole never disappoints. If you’re craving pizza but want to keep it low-carb, this casserole is the way to go.

Recipe:

Low Carb Pizza Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A low-carb, keto-friendly casserole that brings all the delicious, cheesy flavors of pizza in a healthier form. Made with ground turkey or beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Transfer the meat sauce mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat mixture.
Layer the pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings) over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.