Low Carb Pizza Casserole

A mouthwatering low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, this pizza casserole delivers all the classic flavors of Italian sausage, melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and veggies without the carbs. Perfect for keto enthusiasts or anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Made with cauliflower and low-carb pasta sauce, it’s perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
• Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage, mozzarella, and pepperoni provide all the classic pizza flavors you love.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and healthy fats for a satisfying meal.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings or vegetables.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cauliflower florets
• pepperoni
• Italian sausage
• olive oil
• mushrooms, sliced
• green pepper, diced
• mozzarella cheese, shredded
• low-carb pasta sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
• Parmesan cheese, powdered
• Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower

1. Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 3 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage for about 15 minutes.
2. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Using the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add mushrooms and sauté for 10 minutes until they release and evaporate their water. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of the dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread half of the mixture in the casserole dish. Top with ½ cup of pasta sauce, half the pepperoni slices, and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
4. Add the remaining mixture, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Save 10 pepperoni slices for the top.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

1. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
2. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole and arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage and pepperoni with plant-based meat substitutes or extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
• Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Toppings Galore: Include black olives, diced tomatoes, or onions for a classic pizza flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Yes, broccoli or zucchini are great substitutes for cauliflower.

What low-carb pasta sauce works best?

Rao’s Homemade Marinara is a popular choice, but any low-carb marinara or pizza sauce will work.

Is pre-shredded mozzarella okay to use?

Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has fewer additives.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Pat the steamed cauliflower and sautéed mushrooms dry to remove excess moisture.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef or turkey are great alternatives. Add Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor of sausage.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the pasta sauce and sausage are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to cut the cauliflower?

Cut into small bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and easy mixing.

Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Feel free to layer in extra mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesier dish.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add spicy sausage or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Conclusion

Low Carb Pizza Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the carbs. Packed with hearty sausage, tender cauliflower, savory pepperoni, and melty cheese, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal for keto enthusiasts and pizza lovers alike. Whether for dinner, meal prep, or a party dish, this casserole is sure to please!

Low Carb Pizza Casserole

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 10 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence with this Low Carb Pizza Casserole, a flavorful combination of Italian sausage, cauliflower, veggies, cheese, and pepperoni. Perfect for keto and gluten-free diets! Keywords: Low Carb Pizza Casserole, keto dinner recipe, low carb Italian casserole.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 ounces cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2.5 ounces pepperoni (divided)
• 2 pounds Italian sausage (remove from casing if necessary)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 green pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
• 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1.5 cups low-carb pasta sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Place cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 3 minutes or until tender. Do not overcook.
2. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Cook Sausage

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Italian sausage for 15 minutes or until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom.
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green pepper until well combined.
3. Spread half of the mixture in the casserole dish. Top with ½ cup pasta sauce, ½ of the pepperonis, and 6 ounces mozzarella cheese.
4. Add the remaining topping mixture, followed by ½ cup pasta sauce, remaining mozzarella cheese, and pepperonis (reserving 10 slices for the top).

Step 5: Add the Final Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over the casserole. Arrange the reserved 10 pepperoni slices on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Notes

• Substitute cauliflower with broccoli for a variation.
• Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 519 kcal
• Fat: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g