Cheesy Keto Pizza Casserole

Introduction

This Cheesy Keto Pizza Casserole is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. It offers all the classic flavors of pizza—savory cheese, flavorful sauce, and crispy toppings—without the high carb content. Perfect for keto lovers, this dish is satisfying, easy to make, and a great meal for family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 2 cups ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow)
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or butter.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add ground beef or Italian sausage, cook until browned.
   • Drain excess grease, then add garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the meat mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Add pepperoni, black olives, and any additional toppings.
5. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve:
   • Remove from oven, sprinkle green onions and red pepper flakes.
   • Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Methods of Cooking

• Oven-Baked (Recommended): This method ensures a crispy and golden cheese topping.
• Slow Cooker: Cook the meat mixture first, then layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
• Air Fryer: Use an air fryer-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

History of Pizza Casserole

Pizza has a long history dating back to Italy, but pizza casseroles became popular in the United States as an easy, family-friendly dish. The keto version was introduced as a way to enjoy pizza flavors without the high-carb crust, making it a favorite among health-conscious eaters.

Benefits of This Dish

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
• High in Protein: Provides a satisfying and filling meal.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal preparation.
• Customizable: Can be adjusted with different toppings and meats.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~5g
• Fiber: ~2g

(Exact values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Who Loves This Dish?

• Keto Dieters: Low in carbs but full of flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Loaded with gooey, melted cheese.
• Busy Families: Quick and easy meal option.
• Meal Preppers: Can be stored and reheated for later.

Conclusion

Cheesy Keto Pizza Casserole is the perfect alternative to traditional pizza. It’s low in carbs, packed with flavors, and easy to make. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just love a cheesy, comforting meal, this dish is a must-try!