Craving a delicious, guilt-free pizza experience? Look no further! Our Low Carb Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that satisfies your pizza cravings without the carbs. Packed with savory ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Ready to transform your dinner table? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a nice golden color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease and keep the dish lighter.
- Return the beef to the skillet and add Italian seasoning, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the seasoned ground beef, mixing thoroughly to ensure all meat is coated with sauce.
- Transfer the beef and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top the beef layer with sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and pepperoni, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the entire casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or additional Italian herbs if desired.
Tips
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, olives, or zucchini for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Use Leaner Meat: For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will reduce the fat content while still delivering a satisfying meal.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in the oven before serving for a quick and convenient dinner.
- Check the Cheese: For a lower-calorie version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese. It still melts beautifully and will help keep the dish lighter.
- Serve with a Salad: Pair your pizza casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that adds crunch and freshness to your plate.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
