Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole combines all your favorite pizza flavors into a hearty, satisfying dish without the carbs from traditional crust. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in softened cream cheese until fully combined with the beef.
- Step 4: Layer half of the meat mixture in the baking dish, then add half of the pepperoni slices and diced bell peppers on top.
- Step 5: Pour half of the pizza sauce and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the layers. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last five minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute bell peppers with mushrooms or olives for different flavors.
- Use turkey pepperoni or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for extra spice.
- For a cheesier casserole, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the casserole.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
Is this casserole suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, with its low-carb ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and low-sugar pizza sauce, this casserole fits well within most keto diet plans.
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Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole combines all the classic flavors of pizza in a healthy, low-carbohydrate format. Featuring ground beef, pepperoni, cream cheese, mozzarella, and a rich low-sugar pizza sauce, this bake is perfect for satisfying pizza cravings without the carbs from traditional dough. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delicious, hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat to reduce grease.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese into the hot ground beef until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the meat and cream cheese mixture evenly in the baking dish. Add half of the pepperoni slices and half of the diced bell peppers evenly over the meat layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the low-sugar pizza sauce over the layered ingredients and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining meat mixture, pepperoni, bell peppers, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. During the last five minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly for an appealing finish.
Notes
- To make this recipe spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes or substitute pepperoni with spicy sausage slices.
- You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini as preferred.
- Ensure the cream cheese is well softened to blend easily with the cooked ground beef.
- Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: low carb pizza casserole, keto pizza bake, ground beef casserole, easy low carb dinner, pizza casserole recipe
