If you’ve been searching for a comforting, cheesy dish that fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle, this Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe will be your new best friend. Imagine all your favorite pizza flavors layered into a hearty casserole that’s packed with vibrant vegetables, savory Italian sausage, and melty mozzarella cheese, all without the guilt of traditional dough. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while sticking to your health goals, making it an absolute winner for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together fresh textures and bold flavors that make this dish truly special. From the tender cauliflower that substitutes for carb-heavy crusts to the zingy Italian seasoning that ties everything together, these staples are simple but essential.
- 14 ounces Cauliflower florets: Provides a low-carb, veggie-packed base with a subtle sweetness.
- 2.5 ounces Pepperoni: Adds spicy, savory bursts of flavor throughout the casserole.
- 2 pounds Italian Sausage: The main protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying; remove casings for easy cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps sauté mushrooms to perfection and adds a touch of richness.
- 8 ounces Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed to release their earthy goodness and reduce moisture.
- 1 Green Pepper: Adds freshness and a crisp texture with a mellow peppery bite.
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that makes every bite feel like pizza heaven.
- 1.5 cups Low Carb Pasta Sauce: Choose a quality marinara like Rao’s to deliver rich, authentic tomato flavor without added sugars.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (powdered): Boosts umami and adds a slightly nutty flair.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the entire casserole.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower
Start by steaming the cauliflower florets just until they become tender but still hold their shape. This step is key because overcooked cauliflower can become mushy and watery, which we definitely want to avoid to maintain a casserole with great texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Mushrooms
Cooking the Italian sausage thoroughly brings out its robust flavors, while draining off the excess fat keeps the dish light and not greasy. Then, using the same skillet to sauté the mushrooms in olive oil helps concentrate their earthy taste and reduces excess moisture, preventing sogginess in the casserole.
Step 3: Combine Fresh Vegetables
Mix the steamed cauliflower with sautéed mushrooms, cooked Italian sausage, and fresh green pepper pieces in a large bowl. This mixture forms the hearty, veggie-rich foundation of the casserole, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Begin assembling your casserole by spreading a bit of marinara sauce on the base of a greased 13×9 inch dish. Alternate layers of the vegetable and meat mixture with spoonfuls of sauce, pepperoni slices pressed gently into the layers, and generous portions of shredded mozzarella to create pockets of melty cheese throughout.
Step 5: Add a Flavorful Topping
Mix powdered Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning and sprinkle this aromatic blend over the top layer, followed by the last pepperoni slices. This final touch bakes into a golden, flavorful crust that ties the dish together perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled casserole at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. The result will be a bubbling, cheesy delight with a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen, signaling that your Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring an extra pop of color and brightness to your slices. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving also enhances the rich flavors and adds a touch of silkiness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten up each bite. For a warm side, consider roasting some garlic green beans or tender asparagus to complement the richness of the cheese and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish family-style or cut it into neat squares for a party platter. For a fun twist, you can even bake individual portions in ramekins, ideal for a casual lunch or when entertaining guests with diverse dietary preferences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the cheese delightfully gooey when reheated.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain great texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through, or place the whole casserole back into a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes. This method restores a fresh-baked texture, especially the melty cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?
Definitely! While cauliflower is perfect for keeping the dish low carb and pizza-like, veggies such as zucchini or broccoli florets can be great alternatives depending on your taste preference and availability.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the Italian sausage and pepperoni for plant-based meat substitutes or simply increase the amount of mushrooms and add olives for extra savory depth, keeping all the flavor with none of the meat.
What kind of pasta sauce works best?
A high-quality low carb marinara sauce, like Rao’s Homemade, brings authentic tomato flavor without added sugars. Avoid sauces with hidden carbs or excessive sweeteners to stay true to the low carb intent of the recipe.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since the recipe does not include any flour or traditional pizza dough, it is naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and sauce labels to ensure they contain no gluten additives.
How spicy is this casserole?
The mild spice from the Italian sausage and pepperoni can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or choose spicy sausage varieties to turn up the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone craving pizza flavors without the carbs. Its perfect balance of hearty sausage, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug every single time.
Print
Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines steamed cauliflower, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and plenty of cheese with a flavorful low-carb marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers all the flavors of a classic pizza in a healthy, casserole form that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces Cauliflower florets (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2.5 ounces Pepperoni
- 2 pounds Italian Sausage (remove from casing before cooking if in casing)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 Green Pepper (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1.5 cups Low Carb Pasta Sauce (e.g. Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (powdered)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cut cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for approximately 3 minutes until just tender. Avoid overcooking to keep texture intact.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the cooked cauliflower and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) in preparation for baking the casserole.
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove any excess fat by draining and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Using the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium-high heat for roughly 10 minutes to release and evaporate excess water. Set aside once done.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce evenly over the bottom.
- Combine Toppings: In a large bowl, mix the steamed cauliflower, cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and green pepper pieces until well combined.
- Layer First Half: Spread half of the topping mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Top with ½ cup pasta sauce, half of the pepperoni slices (pressing some down between toppings), and 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Layer Second Half: Spread the remaining topping mixture over the cheese layer, followed by the remaining pepperoni slices (save 10 slices for the top), ½ cup pasta sauce, and the final 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare Parmesan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the powdered Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Finish Casserole: Sprinkle the Parmesan and Italian seasoning mixture evenly over the assembled casserole. Top with the reserved 10 slices of pepperoni.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Do not overcook the cauliflower when steaming to maintain some texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Be sure to drain the sausage fat well to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sautéing the mushrooms helps remove excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
- If you prefer spicier flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- The recipe can be made ahead of time, assembled, covered, and refrigerated before baking.
- Use low-carb pasta sauce options to keep the carb count down.
