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For the main part of your Low Carb Pizza Casserole, you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup sliced black olives - ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional) - 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a rich and savory dish that packs all the pizza flavor without the carbs. You can customize your casserole with a few extra ingredients. Consider adding: - Cooked sausage for more flavor - Zucchini or spinach for added veggies - Different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique taste - Feta cheese for a tangy kick - Cherry tomatoes for extra freshness These options let you make the dish your own and adjust it to your taste. If you want to lower the carb count even more, try these swaps: - Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey or chicken. - Replace crushed tomatoes with diced tomatoes for less sugar. - Opt for cheese alternatives like almond or coconut cheese. - Skip the olives or use them sparingly to cut down on sodium. These changes help you maintain low carbs while still enjoying a delicious casserole. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. You will need: - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup sliced black olives - ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional) - 1 cup cauliflower rice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to a great bake. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the ground turkey or chicken. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and cauliflower rice. Cook this mix for another 5 minutes. The veggies should soften but still have some crunch. Now, pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together perfectly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top it evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. If you want, you can garnish with fresh basil for an extra touch. For serving, cut into squares for easy plating. Enjoy your delicious, low carb pizza casserole! To get that perfect cheese pull in your low carb pizza casserole, use fresh mozzarella. It melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Spread the cheese evenly across the top. This helps each bite stay cheesy. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. To cut down on cooking time, use pre-cooked meat. Ground turkey or chicken that is already cooked can save you about 10 minutes. Also, using frozen cauliflower rice can save prep time. Just add it straight to the pan without thawing. Adjusting seasoning is key to making the dish your own. Start with the basic salt and pepper. Then, taste as you cook. If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, boost the Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to add fresh herbs if you have them! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor profile of your casserole. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings, such as different cheeses or meats, for a personalized touch. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve! Monitor Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking; you want it perfectly melted and bubbly without burning. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian low carb pizza casserole. Replace the ground turkey with more veggies. Use chopped zucchini, eggplant, or even spinach. These choices add flavor and texture. You can still use mushrooms for that meaty feel. This dish stays hearty and filling without meat. If you want more protein, try adding cooked sausage or diced chicken. Ground beef is another great choice. These options boost the protein and flavor. You can also mix in beans like black beans or chickpeas for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use raw meat. Cheese is a key part of this dish. While mozzarella is classic, you can swap in other options. Try cheddar for a sharper taste or gouda for a smoky twist. Feta cheese adds a nice salty flavor, too. Mixing cheeses can create a unique taste profile. Use your favorites to make it your own! To keep your leftover pizza casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For the best taste, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes. To freeze your pizza casserole, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use any ground meat you like. Ground beef, pork, or even sausage work great. Each type brings its own flavor. I often switch it up based on what I have on hand. Just be sure to cook the meat fully before adding it to the casserole mix. This keeps the dish safe and tasty. To make this casserole dairy-free, simply swap out the cheese. You can use dairy-free cheese that melts well. Alternatively, try adding more veggies for creaminess, like avocado or pureed cauliflower. This will keep the dish rich without the dairy. Always check labels to ensure your substitutes fit your diet. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just cook the meat and veggies, then layer everything in a baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time for best results. This blog post covered how to make a tasty low-carb pizza casserole. We explored key ingredients and ways to customize them. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, cooking, and baking. You also learned helpful tips for better cheese and faster cooking. We discussed variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. This dish is easy, fun, and fit for everyone. Experiment with your favorite flavors and enjoy!

Deliciously Cheesy Low Carb Pizza Casserole

A flavorful and cheesy low carb pizza casserole made with ground turkey, vegetables, and topped with mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the ground turkey (or chicken) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and cauliflower rice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly.
  • Pour the crushed tomatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, cutting into squares for easy plating. Optionally, drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some additional Italian seasoning on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, low carb, pizza