Ah, pizza night—the one evening a week where we all look forward to indulging in a cheesy, gooey slice of goodness! But sometimes, I find myself wanting to enjoy that classic pizza flavor without the carbs that usually come along with it. Enter my beloved **Low Carb Pizza Casserole**, a delightful dish that takes all the flavors you love about pizza and combines them in a warm, comforting casserole.
This recipe is especially nostalgic for me. I remember the very first time I made it for a dinner party. I was convinced my friends wouldn’t enjoy it because, well, a pizza without a crust? But to my surprise, they fell in love with it! It became one of those recipes we always seem to return to, and I can’t help but chuckle remembering how my friend James declared that he was “definitely going to try making it himself!” (Spoiler alert: I don’t think he ever did).
### What’s in Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this culinary masterpiece!
Ground Beef or Sausage: This is the hearty base of the casserole, providing rich flavor and protein. I usually opt for lean ground beef, but Italian sausage adds a lovely spiciness if you’re feeling adventurous!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These aromatic veggies add a lovely depth to the casserole. I like to use a sweet bell pepper—red or yellow—for a bit of color and taste.
Diced Tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes helps bind everything together and adds a fresh, zesty quality. Just remember to drain them well, or you’ll have a soupy casserole!
Black Olives: Their salty flavor gives a nice contrast in taste and texture. Plus, they’re a classic pizza topping!
Pizza Sauce: Choosing a low-carb pizza sauce can make a significant difference for those watching their carbs, but regular sauce is perfectly fine if you’re not strict about it!
Mozzarella Cheese: Is it really a pizza without mozzarella? This melty cheese gives that ooey-gooey effect we all crave.
Pepperoni: A beloved pizza topping! Feel free to swap this out for turkey pepperoni or leave it off altogether for a veggie version.
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These seasoning staples enhance that pizza-styled flavor. A little pinch goes a long way!
### Is Low Carb Pizza Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! This casserole packs plenty of nutritional benefits while keeping the carbs in check.
Protein: With ground beef (or sausage) and cheese, this dish is loaded with protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Veggies: The onion, bell pepper, and black olives bring in some essential vitamins and fiber. It’s always great to sneak in some extra nutrients where you can, right?
Low Carb Option: By replacing traditional pizza crust with this casserole style, you’re drastically cutting down on carbs, making it a hearty option for those on a low-carb diet.
However, like everything, it’s good to enjoy in moderation. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to keep an eye on those olives and pizza sauce.
### Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground beef or sausage
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup sliced black olives
– 2 cups pizza sauce (low-carb option if desired)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh basil for garnish
*Servings: Approximately 6-8*
### How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, black olives, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture as the base layer.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
7. Layer the remaining meat mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
10. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your Low Carb Pizza Casserole!
### A Little Extra Love for Your Casserole
Let’s talk about variations and serving suggestions, shall we?
If you want to jazz it up a bit—why not toss in some sliced mushrooms or add spinach for extra greens? This is your casserole canvas—feel free to get creative!
You could also serve it with a lovely side salad to balance things out beautifully, or have some zucchini noodles on the side if you want to up the veggie factor.
I truly hope you give this **Low Carb Pizza Casserole** a try! It’s such a comforting dish and makes for the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear your cheesy experiences!
