Print

Cheesy Low-Carb Pizza Casserole

cheesy low-carb pizza casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy low-carb casserole featuring ground meat, savory tomato sauce, and melty cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, browned
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
  • ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage until no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes. Break it up as it cooks for even browning. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the meat. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Chop 1 cup bell peppers and slice ½ cup black olives while the sauce simmers.
  6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the meat and sauce mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the chopped veggies over the sauce. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers with remaining meat mixture, veggies, and cheeses.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce seems watery, simmer longer to thicken before layering. Spray baking dish with cooking oil to prevent cheese from sticking. Freshly shred mozzarella for better melting. Can be made ahead and refrigerated; add extra baking time if chilled. Leftovers reheat best in oven to avoid rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, pizza casserole, cheesy casserole, keto, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cheesy-low-carb-pizza-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-guide/