Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe – 5-Star Easy Favorite

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5 p.m. wondering what’s for dinner that won’t derail your low carb goals or require a second grocery run, you’re not alone. That’s exactly how this Low Carb Pizza Casserole came to life in my kitchen.

It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent, tastes like your favorite slice, and still fits into your weeknight dinner routine. Packed with cheesy goodness, hearty sausage, and saucy layers, this casserole skips the crust and still delivers all the pizza joy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping healthy comfort food, this low carb dinner is a winner. It’s fast, easy, budget-friendly, and Pinterest-worthy to boot. Get ready to wow your tastebuds and your macros.

What Makes This a Low Carb Winner

Let’s talk flavor. This low carb pizza casserole hits all the right notes, savory sausage, herby marinara, gooey melted cheese, and that classic pepperoni bite. The texture is rich and hearty, with a baked-in cheesiness that reminds me of deep dish pizza without the crust. And oh, those golden edges? Total bliss.

It’s more than just delicious, though, it’s a lifesaver for busy cooks. This is a recipe that checks all the boxes for Pinterest readers and health-conscious home cooks:

• Quick: From prep to table in about 35 minutes.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and skips pricey specialty ingredients.
• Kid-approved: It’s pizza, after all.
• Meal-prep ready: Make once, enjoy twice.

This dish isn’t just for keto eaters, it’s a comfort food lover’s dream. It’s equally at home at a casual dinner-for-two or feeding a crowd at a potluck. And when it comes out of the oven, bubbling and golden, it’s every bit as beautiful as it is satisfying.

Ingredients for Low Carb Pizza Casserole

To keep this dish low in carbs but full of flavor, we’re using clean, simple ingredients. Look for no-sugar-added sauces and high quality meats to keep it keto friendly and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage – for a rich, flavorful base
• 2 eggs – these bind the meat layer together
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for warm, savory depth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – oregano, basil, and thyme for that pizza flavor
• 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce – look for one with no added sugar
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the melty topping that seals the deal
• ¼ cup sliced pepperoni – gives it that classic pizza feel
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional) – adds color and crunch
• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms (optional) – for an earthy boost
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing

Every ingredient here is chosen to keep the carbs low and the flavor high. Feel free to swap or skip toppings based on what your family loves.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole

You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make this cheesy, cozy casserole. If you can brown meat and layer ingredients, you’ve got this. It’s truly a weeknight miracle meal that delivers on flavor with very little effort.

1. Preheat the oven and prep your pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray so nothing sticks.

2. Cook the sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting oily.

3. Make the meat crust
In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage with the eggs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. This becomes your protein-packed “crust.”

4. Add the sauce and toppings
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meat layer. Then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add your favorite low carb toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

5. Bake and serve
Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

This is also a great way to reinvent leftovers. I’ve used this same method with my Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole when I have cooked chicken on hand, and it always turns out delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Casserole

This low carb pizza casserole is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it also plays nicely with sides if you want to round it out or impress a crowd. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it.

Make it a cozy family dinner:
Pair it with a crisp side salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of romaine or arugula helps balance the richness of the cheese and sausage. If you’re in a real “pizza night” mood, serve with a few garlic parmesan zucchini fries or some low carb breadsticks.

Keep it low carb and light:
A side of roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans adds fiber and nutrients without complicating the meal. I love reheating leftovers and eating them alongside a few slices of fresh tomato sprinkled with sea salt and basil.

Dinner for two or dinner for ten:
This casserole scales beautifully. Half the recipe for a date night dinner or double it for a gathering. You can also divide it into individual ramekins for a fun, portion-controlled presentation.

Perfect for meal prep:
Scoop it into airtight containers, add a side of steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a week’s worth of balanced, low carb lunches.

If you enjoy this kind of hearty, healthy dish, you might also love my Healthy Chicken Parmesan. It has that same cheesy, saucy vibe, and it’s just as easy to make ahead and freeze.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole is one of those dishes that tastes just as good the next day, maybe even better. Whether you’re prepping for the week or storing leftovers, it’s easy to keep this low carb favorite fresh and flavorful.

Storing in the fridge
Once cooled, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also portion it into individual containers to make weekday lunches a breeze.

Freezing for later
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, or use a freezer-safe container with a tight seal. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating tips
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. If the casserole looks a little dry, add a splash of broth or marinara before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes, but the oven method keeps the texture crisp and the cheese melty.

I follow the same routine with dishes like my Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, and it’s a total lifesaver during busy weeks.

Pro Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few small tweaks can make a big difference. Here are my best tips to get it just right, plus the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole

• Use room temperature eggs so they mix more easily into the sausage layer.
• Always drain your cooked sausage well to avoid an oily bottom.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting so it sets up cleanly.
• Add fresh basil or parsley after baking for a beautiful, bright finish.
• Tent the dish with foil if the cheese browns too quickly before the center is cooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip the eggs. They act as a binder for the crust and keep everything together.
• Avoid watery marinara. Choose a thick sauce or cook it down slightly before using.
• Be careful not to overload with toppings. Too many vegetables or cheese can make the casserole soggy.
• Don’t overbake. This can dry out the meat layer and make the cheese rubbery.
• Not seasoning the base enough is a common slip. Taste your sausage and adjust spices if needed.

This same approach helps me nail other casseroles too, like this creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. A little attention to detail goes a long way in flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts: Pizza Night Reinvented

This low carb pizza casserole brings together everything we love about pizza without the carb-heavy crust. It’s cozy, quick, and customizable, the kind of meal that’s easy enough for a Tuesday but tasty enough for a Friday night celebration.

Whether you’re counting carbs, cooking for picky eaters, or just need a satisfying dinner that comes together fast, this recipe’s got you covered. Save it, share it, and most of all, enjoy every cheesy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make low carb pizza casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

What are the best toppings for a keto-friendly pizza bake?

Stick with low carb favorites like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, spinach, olives, and sugar-free marinara. Avoid high-carb veggies like corn or sweet sauces.

How do I thicken a low carb casserole without flour?

Using eggs as a binder is key. They hold the meat base together without needing flour or breadcrumbs. You can also sprinkle in a bit of almond flour or grated Parmesan if needed.

Is low carb pizza casserole freezer friendly?

Yes! It freezes beautifully either fully baked or unbaked. Just wrap it well and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

What’s a good side dish for low carb Italian casseroles?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette, roasted zucchini, or garlic cauliflower rice are all excellent low carb sides.

Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe – 5-Star Easy Favorite

Author: Angela Cooking Method: Casseroles

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