Easy Low Carb Pizza Casserole – Cheesy 30-Minute Dinner

Picture this: it's Friday night, the family is hungry, and all anyone wants is pizza. But you're watching your carbs, and the thought of another sad salad makes you want to cry. I've been there. That's why I created this Low Carb Pizza Casserole – it gives you all the gooey, cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness of your favorite slice, without the carb-heavy crust.

Think of it like a financial portfolio: instead of putting all your carbs into one basket (the crust), we're diversifying. We use a rich, meaty base and top it with all the classic pizza fixings. The result? A hearty, satisfying casserole that's low in carbs but high in flavor. It's a smart trade-off that pays off in delicious dividends.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just need a comforting dish that won't derail your goals. It's easy to customize, and it's sure to become a family favorite. Let's get cooking.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage

Use mild or hot sausage for a flavor boost. If you prefer, substitute with ground turkey or beef and add extra Italian seasoning.

1/2 cup (50g) sliced pepperoni

Choose turkey pepperoni for a leaner option, or use mini pepperoni for more even distribution.

1 medium (110g) green bell pepper, diced

Any color bell pepper works. For a spicier kick, use a poblano or banana pepper.

1 small (70g) red onion, diced

Sweet or yellow onion can be used. If you're not a fan of raw onion, sauté it with the sausage for a milder flavor.

2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Whole milk mozzarella melts best. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so shred your own if possible.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor. Store-bought grated works too, but avoid the powdery kind in a can.

1/2 cup (120g) pizza sauce (no sugar added)

Look for a sauce without added sugar to keep carbs low. You can also use marinara or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.

2 large (100g) eggs

Eggs help bind the casserole together. If you're allergic, you can omit them and the casserole will be more crumbly but still delicious.

1 tsp dried oregano

Italian seasoning or a blend of dried basil and thyme works well too.

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Fresh minced garlic (1 clove) can be used, but garlic powder distributes more evenly.

1/4 tsp salt

Adjust based on the saltiness of your sausage and cheese. Taste the meat mixture before adding.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground works in a pinch.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure to drain the sausage well after browning to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Don't overbake – the casserole should be just set and slightly golden on top. Overbaking will dry it out.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.

2. Brown the sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper and onion in the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften them slightly.

3. Mix the base

Drain any excess grease from the skillet. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, pepperoni, pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Add the eggs

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Pour them over the meat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. The eggs help bind the casserole together.

5. Assemble the casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Bake to perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest and serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Cut into 6 servings and enjoy!

Delicious Variations

Veggie Supreme

Add sliced mushrooms, black olives, and spinach for extra veggies.

BBQ Chicken Style

Swap the sausage for cooked chicken breast and use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce.

Spicy Arrabbiata

Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

How to Store Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

If you love this low carb pizza casserole, I'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, share your photos on social media, and don't forget to subscribe for more delicious, healthy recipes. Keep it simple, keep it growing.

Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Satisfy pizza cravings with this cheesy, low carb casserole that's ready in under an hour and packed with flavor.

★★★★½ 4.8 (236 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced pepperoni
• 1 medium (110g) green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small (70g) red onion, diced
• 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120g) pizza sauce (no sugar added)
• 2 large (100g) eggs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and prep — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
2. 2Brown the sausage — In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper and onion in the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften them slightly.
3. 3Mix the base — Drain any excess grease from the skillet. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, pepperoni, pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. 4Add the eggs — In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Pour them over the meat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. The eggs help bind the casserole together.
5. 5Assemble the casserole — Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
6. 6Bake to perfection — Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. 7Rest and serve — Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Cut into 6 servings and enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This casserole is a great way to get your pizza fix without the carbs. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat