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Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Name: Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Oliver

Published: February 28, 2025

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Oh man, let me tell you about the night that changed everything. There I was, curled up on the couch with a serious pizza craving but determined to stick to my low-carb goals. That’s when I started throwing random pizza ingredients into a casserole dish out of desperation – and boom! My Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole was born. It’s got all that cheesy, saucy goodness you love about pizza without the heavy crust weighing you down. Best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes from fridge to table. I’ve made this at least twice a week ever since that fateful night – it’s become my go-to when pizza cravings hit and I need something quick, satisfying, and totally guilt-free.

Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Listen, I know what you’re thinking – “Another low-carb recipe that won’t satisfy my cravings.” But trust me, this one’s different. Here’s why it’s become my weeknight hero:

Crazy fast – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (perfect for those “I need pizza NOW” emergencies)
Minimal ingredients – Just 8 simple things you probably have already
Keto-friendly – Only 5g net carbs per serving but tastes totally indulgent
One-dish wonder – Less cleanup means more time for… well, anything but dishes
Customizable – Throw in whatever pizza toppings make your heart happy

Seriously, it’s like pizza night got a low-carb makeover without losing any of the fun.

Ingredients for Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, pizza-flavored magic happen. I swear by these exact measurements – they create that perfect balance between saucy, meaty, and cheesy that makes this casserole so dang addictive!

1 pound ground beef (85% lean) – That extra bit of fat keeps it juicy without being greasy
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The good stuff, please! None of that pre-shredded with anti-caking agents
1/2 cup pepperoni slices – I use the mini ones sometimes for better distribution
1/2 cup pizza sauce – Hunt for the low-sugar kind, or make your own with tomato paste + Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Not garlic salt! We’ll add our own salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – My secret weapon for that authentic pizza parlor flavor
1/4 teaspoon salt – Taste your sauce first – some brands are saltier than others
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Look, I get it – sometimes you gotta improvise! Here’s how to riff on this recipe without messing up the magic. Swap beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage if that’s your jam. Dairy-free? Violife makes an amazing vegan mozzarella that melts beautifully. Want more veggies? Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers – just pat them dry first so they don’t make the casserole watery. The only non-negotiable? That pizza sauce – it’s the flavor foundation!

How to Make Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after one try. Just follow these steps:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – This gives it time to get nice and hot while we prep everything else.
Brown that beef good – Crumble it in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Here’s my trick: tilt the pan and spoon out excess fat – keeps it from getting greasy.
Season it up – Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for just 1 minute to wake up all those flavors.
Transfer to baking dish – I use an 8×8-inch dish, but anything similar works. Spread the meat mixture evenly – no clumps!
Cheese and pepperoni party – Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over top, then arrange pepperoni slices. Pro tip: slightly overlap them for full coverage.
Bake until bubbly – 15 minutes is usually perfect. You want melted, slightly golden cheese with little bubbles around the edges.
Let it rest – As hard as it is to wait, give it 5 minutes before cutting in. This keeps the layers intact when serving.

Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole - detail 1

Tips for Perfect Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-skip tips: Drain the beef fat well (blot with paper towels if needed). Spread cheese edge-to-edge – no naked spots! And don’t skimp on resting time – those 5 minutes make all the difference in clean slices. Oh, and if your cheese isn’t browning enough, pop it under the broiler for just 30 seconds at the end!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

This casserole stands proud all on its own, but I love rounding out the meal with simple low-carb sides. A crisp Caesar salad (hold the croutons!) or roasted zucchini makes the perfect fresh contrast to all that cheesy goodness. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add garlic butter mushrooms – they soak up those pizza flavors beautifully. Pro tip: skip the breadsticks and serve with extra pepperoni on the side for dipping!

Storing and Reheating Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because we gobble this up! But when I do, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh. Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, the oven’s best (350°F for 10-15 minutes) – microwaving can make it soggy. If you must microwave, do it in 30-second bursts and let it rest between each. Freezing works too – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. My trick? A quick broil at the end brings back that perfect crispy cheese texture!

Nutrition Information for Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Now let’s talk numbers – because let’s be real, we all peek at the nutrition facts! Based on my exact ingredients, each serving (that’s a generous 1/4 of the casserole) comes out to about 320 calories, 22g fat, 5g net carbs, and 25g protein. But here’s the thing – your numbers might dance a bit depending on your cheese brand, beef leanness, or if you go wild with extra toppings. These estimates come from my trusty recipe calculator, but always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely. The best part? Even with these great numbers, it tastes anything but “diet”!

Common Questions About Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

I get asked about this recipe all the time, so let me tackle the big questions! “Can I freeze it?” Absolutely – it keeps beautifully for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. “Is almond flour needed?” Nope! The magic is in the layers, not a crust substitute. “Can I use chicken instead of beef?” Sure thing – just brown it well first. “Why 85% lean beef?” That perfect fat ratio keeps it moist without swimming in grease. And “Can I double the recipe?” You bet – use a 9×13 dish and add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Share Your Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Made this cheesy masterpiece? I’d love to see your creation! Tag me with your best casserole shots – bonus points for creative topping combos! For more delicious recipes, check out BBC Good Food ME.