Meet your next comfort food obsession: this delightful Low Carb Pizza Casserole! It’s a scrumptious, guilt-free indulgence packed with all the flavors you crave from a classic pizza without the carbs. Picture juicy Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, all nestled in a bed of tender cauliflower. It’s as if pizza and casserole had a perfect culinary baby!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb Wonder: Perfect for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing flavor.
- Pizza Flavors: All the rich, savory notes of your favorite slice, in a wholesome casserole form.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: Simple steps and hearty ingredients make for a stress-free dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list! Each component plays a crucial role in building that authentic pizza flavor while maintaining the casserole’s nutritious profile. These ingredients will come together to create magic in your kitchen.
- Cauliflower florets: A perfect low-carb substitute for traditional crust, providing a hearty base.
- Pepperoni: Gives that signature spicy and tangy kick that pizza lovers adore.
- Italian Sausage: Adds depth and richness, perfectly balancing the cheese and sauce.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor and ensures our veggies sauté to perfection.
- Mushrooms: Add an earthy flavor that complements the meat and sauce beautifully.
- Green Pepper: Provides a crisp texture and a burst of fresh taste.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, covering the casserole in a delicious cheese blanket.
- Low Carb Pasta Sauce: Here’s where the tangy, herby, tomato goodness comes into play.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty top layer that crisps up perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings all the Italian vibes together in one perfect mix.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is its flexibility. Let your creativity shine, and tweak it to better suit your palate or dietary preferences!
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with more veggies like zucchini or eggplant for a green twist.
- Extra Cheese Delight: Add cheddar or gouda for more cheesy goodness.
- Spicy Kick: Throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a heat upgrade.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Begin by steaming your cauliflower florets. Simply place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water, cover, and nuke them until tender. We’re not looking for mushy here, so keep a close eye!
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
Heat up your skillet and let the sizzle begin with our Italian sausage. Once fully cooked, drain the fat, ensuring all that flavor goodness stays with us while excess grease does not.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the mushrooms. Sauté away until they’re beautifully browned and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layering is key! Start with a spread of pasta sauce, add the cauliflower mix, some pepperoni, then cheese—it’s a beautiful harmony of flavors coming together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your beautiful creation into the oven at 400°F and let it bake. Bask in those tantalizing aromas until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- Steam Precision: Avoid oversteaming the cauliflower to keep your casserole texture perfect, not mushy.
- Sizzle & Sauté: Give the mushrooms enough time to release their moisture for profound flavor depth.
- Layer Love: Careful layering ensures each bite gets the full flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect cheesy top.
How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat for those who like it spicy!
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or a side of roasted veggies for some added crunch and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a touch of elegance or try creating pizza casserole muffins using a muffin tin for a fun, grab-and-go option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, enhancing the taste by the second day!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months—perfect for future quick meals.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your casserole into a 350°F oven until heated through, or use the microwave in a pinch, covering to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Low Carb Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or a variety of bell peppers to keep it flavorful and hearty.
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What type of cauliflower is best?
Fresh cauliflower is ideal for the best texture, but frozen cauliflower can also work if it’s drained well to avoid a watery dish.
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Can this dish be prepped in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.
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Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free versions like almond or cashew-based cheese for a lactose-free treat.
Final Thoughts
Give this Low Carb Pizza Casserole a try and see just how tantalizing a low-carb meal can be. It’s versatile, full of flavor, and delightfully satisfying—sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines cauliflower, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella cheese for a guilt-free pizza experience. Perfect for keto or low-carb diets, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 14 ounces Cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
Meat and Vegetables
- 2.5 ounces Pepperoni
- 2 pounds Italian Sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Green Pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
Dairy
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1.5 cups Low Carb Pasta Sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Cooking Oil and Others
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 3 minutes until tender. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage for approximately 15 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until excess water evaporates. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare casserole: Spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers well.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the mixture in the dish, then top with ½ cup pasta sauce, half of the pepperoni slices (pressing them down), and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining mixture, top with the remaining ½ cup pasta sauce, the rest of the pepperoni slices, and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Add finishing touches: Mix Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Top with 10 remaining pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is not overcooked to maintain its texture.
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground chicken or turkey for leaner options.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 180 grams)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
