Low Carb Pizza Casserole: Delicious & Easy Keto Recipe

Low Carb Pizza Casserole: Craving the comforting flavors of pizza but trying to keep things light and healthy? Look no further! Imagine layers of savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece – without the guilt of a carb-heavy crust. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for pizza lovers everywhere.

While pizza itself boasts a rich history, tracing back to ancient flatbreads in the Mediterranean, the casserole version is a more modern invention, born from a desire for convenience and family-friendly meals. The beauty of a casserole lies in its simplicity – a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. And when you adapt it to be low carb, like this Low Carb Pizza Casserole, you open up a world of possibilities for those following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, the taste is undeniably delicious – all the familiar pizza flavors you crave, without the bloat. The texture is also fantastic, with a satisfying combination of soft, cheesy layers and savory toppings. But perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, and makes for fantastic leftovers. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, healthier, and equally satisfying way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Browning the Beef and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brown our ground beef and soften those veggies. This is where the flavor foundation of our casserole begins. Trust me, taking the time to do this right makes a huge difference.

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, place your ground beef. Turn the heat to medium-high.
2. Brown the Beef: Break up the ground beef with a spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s completely browned, making sure to crumble it as you go. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. You want to make sure there’s no pink left!
3. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. You can use a colander or spoon to remove the grease, leaving the beef in the skillet. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
4. Add the Onion and Bell Pepper: Now, add your chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onion and bell pepper until they are softened, usually about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper is tender.

Creating the Tomato Sauce

Next up, we’re going to create a flavorful tomato sauce that will bring everything together. This is where those Italian herbs really shine!

1. Add Tomato Sauce and Paste: Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
2. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they really make the sauce pop!
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!

Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer

This is where the magic happens! The cream cheese layer adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the savory beef and tomato sauce. It’s like the “crust” of our pizza casserole.

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy layer. If it’s not soft enough, it will be difficult to mix.
2. Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream.
3. Add Egg and Parmesan Cheese: Add the egg and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
4. Mix Well: Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. There should be no lumps of cream cheese. This is important for the texture of the final casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where you get to see all your hard work come to fruition.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
3. Spread Beef Mixture: Spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer.
4. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the beef mixture. Try to cover the entire surface.
5. Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer. We’re saving the rest for later!
6. Add Pepperoni and Olives (Optional): If you’re using pepperoni and black olives, arrange them on top of the mozzarella cheese.

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
3. Broil (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra bubbly and browned, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
4. Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Low Carb Pizza Casserole! Serve it hot and enjoy every bite. This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the beef mixture, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use Different Meats: You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a family favorite and a great way to satisfy your pizza cravings without all the carbs. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. We’re talking all the glorious flavors of pizza – that rich tomato sauce, the savory pepperoni, the melty, gooey cheese – without the carb overload that leaves you feeling sluggish. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s satisfying, and honestly, it’s just plain delicious. What more could you ask for?

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for extra veggies and texture. If you’re a meat lover, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the mix. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will do the trick. And don’t even get me started on the cheese possibilities! While mozzarella is a classic, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.

Serving this casserole is a breeze. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement. Or, if you’re feeling extra hungry, a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus will round out the meal nicely. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making this casserole a fantastic option for meal prepping. You can even portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

But here’s the thing: recipes are meant to be shared and enjoyed. I truly believe that this Low Carb Pizza Casserole has the potential to become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to dish that you can rely on for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. It’s a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza.

So, I urge you, give it a try! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pizza in a whole new way. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family think?

Don’t be shy! Head over to the comments section and share your thoughts, your tips, and your photos. Let’s create a community of casserole enthusiasts and inspire each other with our culinary creations. After all, cooking is more fun when it’s shared. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I am sure that you will love this Low Carb Pizza Casserole as much as I do.

Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it!

Happy cooking!

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