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Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Low carb pizza casserole with melted mozzarella and pepperoni fresh from the oven in a white baking dish
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This Low Carb Pizza Casserole has all the classic flavors of a pepperoni pizza but without the high-carb crust. It is a cheesy, savory, and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar low-sugar pizza sauce (under 5g sugar per serving)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the low-sugar pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, egg, and heavy cream until completely smooth. Use a hand mixer on low if lumps remain.
  6. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan over the top. Arrange pepperoni slices across the surface. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella to scatter on during the last 5 minutes of baking if desired.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Tent with foil if the cheese browns before the casserole is fully bubbling.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers firm up and hold their shape.

Notes

  • Use a low-sugar pizza sauce with under 5g of sugar per serving to keep the carb count down.
  • Feel free to add mushrooms, olives, or cooked bacon as extra toppings before baking.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to keep the mixture moist.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 to 8 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
  • This casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/low-carb-pizza-casserole/