Keto Pizza Casserole: A Delicious Low-Carb Meal for Pizza Lovers

If you’re a fan of pizza but want to stay on track with your keto diet, our Keto Pizza Casserole is the perfect solution. This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with all the ingredients you love from a traditional pizza—cheese, pepperoni, and savory seasonings—without the carbs from the crust. It’s a complete meal that will satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping you in ketosis. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is both convenient and delicious!

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Why You’ll Love Keto Pizza Casserole

This keto pizza casserole combines the best of both worlds: it’s low-carb, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. With a satisfying blend of seasoned meat, rich cheeses, and keto-friendly veggies, it’s like eating pizza without the guilt. Plus, the casserole format makes it perfect for meal prepping or sharing with family and friends. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how it tastes just like your favorite pizza!

My Personal Experience

I’ve made this Keto Pizza Casserole several times, and it always turns out to be a hit! As a huge pizza fan, I’ve tried so many variations of low-carb pizza recipes, but this casserole has become my go-to. It’s so versatile—sometimes I add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, depending on what I have in the fridge. What I love most is how satisfying it is. One serving fills me up, and it’s perfect for those times when I need a pizza fix but don’t want to mess with making a crust. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular keto meal rotation!

Required Equipment

To make this Keto Pizza Casserole, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials that will make the process easy and enjoyable.

• Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish is perfect for this recipe. I love how spacious it is, and it gives plenty of room for all the ingredients to come together into one perfect casserole. Plus, it’s easy to clean afterward!
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet is my go-to for cooking the ground beef and seasoning it to perfection. You want to make sure the meat is evenly browned, and a good skillet ensures that happens every time.
• Wooden Spoon: A simple wooden spoon is essential for stirring and breaking up the meat while cooking. It’s gentle on the cookware and helps prevent any mess.
• Cheese Grater: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I always prefer to grate my own cheese. It melts better, and it’s free of any additives. Plus, fresh cheese adds that extra creamy texture that really makes this casserole special!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this keto pizza casserole:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): This is the base of your casserole, providing flavor and protein. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Italian Sausage (1/2 lb): This adds that classic pizza flavor. If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can skip it or use pepperoni or salami for an extra savory kick.
• Bell Peppers (1 medium, diced): These add color, crunch, and nutrition to your casserole. Feel free to substitute with any of your favorite keto-friendly vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup): A low-carb marinara sauce works best here. If you’re in a pinch, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato paste (just be mindful of the carbs).
• Cheese (2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup parmesan): The cheese is the star of this casserole. You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a cheese blend if you prefer.
• Pepperoni (1/2 cup, sliced): These are the pizza topping of choice, but you can swap them out for other keto-friendly options like bacon, salami, or chicken slices.

How to Make Keto Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Drain any excess fat from the meat, then stir in the diced bell peppers and tomato sauce. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes until the peppers are tender.

Step 4: Pour the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Layer with half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Add a layer of pepperoni or your preferred toppings, then top with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Keto Pizza Casserole

• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like a little heat in your pizza casserole.
• Vegetable variations: Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Add extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add more mozzarella on top before baking!

Optional Additions

• Olives: Black or green olives add a tangy bite to the casserole.
• Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top for extra flavor.
• Keto-friendly crust: For a more pizza-like experience, you can add a thin layer of keto-friendly pizza crust at the bottom before adding the meat and cheese layers.

Serving Ideas

• Side Salad: Serve this casserole with a refreshing side salad, such as a mixed green salad or Caesar salad, to add a fresh, light contrast to the cheesy richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Breadsticks: If you miss the bread aspect of pizza, serve with keto garlic breadsticks for dipping.

Storage Recommendations

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! It’s great for freezing. Just wrap it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Total Carbs: 7g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 28g

We’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—we love connecting with you. 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more mouthwatering keto recipes and helpful tips. Be sure to bookmark our site as your go-to guide for all things low-carb! Just starting out on your keto journey? Check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide—it’s the ideal tool to help you get started, stay on track, and achieve your health goals!