Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole
A hearty, cheesy, low-carb casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, rich pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It’s a family-friendly comfort meal that’s keto-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Overview
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Meat Layer
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
1½ cups low-sugar pizza sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for a thicker sauce)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
Pizza Toppings
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup sliced green bell pepper
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup sliced pepperoni
¼ cup cooked bacon crumbles
¼ cup diced green onions
Garnish
Fresh basil leaves
Chopped parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing spoon
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease the baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Stir in the pizza sauce and tomato paste.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the meat mixture into the baking dish.
Top with:
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Provolone cheese
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Olives
Pepperoni
Bacon
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Finish
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.
Top with green onions, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot.
Chef’s Tips
Use a low-carb or keto-friendly pizza sauce with no added sugar.
Drain the meat well to prevent excess grease.
Freshly shred the cheese for the best melting texture.
Allow the casserole to rest before slicing to help it hold together.
Optional Add-Ins
Spinach
Jalapeños
Diced zucchini
Roasted broccoli
Cauliflower florets
Sun-dried tomatoes
Cooked chicken
Turkey sausage
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Oven
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave
Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 465
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Net Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 33 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg
Sodium: 890 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Allergen Information
Contains
Milk (Dairy): Mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone
May Contain Gluten: Some pepperoni, sausage, and pizza sauces may include gluten-containing additives
Does NOT Naturally Contain
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Sesame
Soy (unless present in processed meats or cheese)
Note: Always check labels on pizza sauce, processed meats, and shredded cheese, as ingredients and manufacturing practices vary by brand.
Nut Information
✅ This recipe is naturally peanut-free and tree nut-free.
For those with nut allergies:
Use cheeses and pizza sauce from brands that are certified nut-free if cross-contact is a concern.
Avoid adding pesto or specialty toppings containing pine nuts or other tree nuts.
Check packaged pepperoni and sausage labels for allergen statements.
Variations
Keto Supreme Pizza Casserole
Chicken Alfredo Pizza Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Casserole
Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole
Veggie Pizza Casserole
Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Casserole
Crustless Pizza Bake
Mediterranean Pizza Casserole with olives, spinach, and feta
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. Using a low-sugar pizza sauce keeps the net carbs low, making it suitable for most keto and low-carb diets.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives.
Q: What is the best cheese for pizza casserole?
A: Mozzarella is the classic choice, while Parmesan, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack add extra flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, and cauliflower all work well.
Q: How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?
A: Drain cooked meat well, sauté high-moisture vegetables before adding them, and use a thick, low-sugar pizza sauce.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: Pair it with a Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, garlic butter green beans, zucchini noodles, or a simple cucumber salad.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, eggplant, and plant-based meat alternatives.
Q: Can I use fresh mozzarella?
A: Yes, but drain and pat it dry first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
