Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you crave all the bubbly, cheesy flavors of your favorite pizzeria without the carb overload, this Low Carb Pizza Casserole will absolutely thrill you. Imagine forkfuls of tender cauliflower, savory Italian sausage, golden-brown pepperoni, and a rich, herby marinara all nestled under a melty layer of cheese—this family-friendly dish delivers pure comfort with zero sacrifice in taste. It’s a weeknight superstar for busy evenings, an easy meal-prep win, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you follow a low-carb lifestyle or just need a cozy, hearty dinner, this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is about to become your most-requested recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of classic pizza-inspired ingredients transforms everyday produce and pantry staples into something truly special. Each item brings its own signature texture, burst of flavor, or pretty pop of color—together, they’re downright irresistible.

• Cauliflower florets: The foundation of your casserole, these stand in seamlessly for pizza crust while keeping things wonderfully light and tender.
• Pepperoni: Classic, spicy, and slightly crisp on top, pepperoni adds a pop of rich, smoky flavor every pizza lover craves.
• Italian Sausage: Packed with herbs and spices, sausage brings heartiness to each bite—just make sure to remove the casing if necessary.
• Olive Oil: A little drizzle is all it takes to sauté the mushrooms to perfection for a silky, savory punch.
• Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, they soak up flavor and bring an earthy balance to your casserole.
• Green Pepper: Adds a fresh, sweet crunch plus gorgeous jewel-green color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella turns irresistibly gooey, guaranteeing every forkful is cheesy and satisfying.
• Low Carb Pasta Sauce: Your favorite marinara sauce—just be sure to check the label for carb counts. Rao’s Homemade is a go-to for authentic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: That sprinkle of powdered Parm on top gives a sharp, salty hit and helps with browning.
• Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend complements all the pizza flavors and instantly gives the casserole a homey, classic vibe.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower

Start by steaming your cauliflower florets until they’re just fork-tender—about 3 minutes in the microwave with a splash of water does the trick. You want them soft but not falling apart; this keeps the “crust” element pleasantly substantial beneath the toppings.

Step 2: Drain and Dry

After steaming, drain the cauliflower and gently pat the florets dry with a paper towel. This step makes sure your casserole doesn’t end up watery; it’s totally worth taking the extra minute here!

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Fire up your oven to 400 degrees F so it’s ready to transform your layered casserole into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 4: Cook the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet, brown your Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Crumble it as it cooks so you get flavorful bits in every bite! Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 10 minutes to bring out their flavor and cook off extra moisture, which means even more savory intensity in your casserole.

Step 6: Prep the Baking Dish

Give your 13×9 inch casserole dish a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray, then spread ½ cup of your low carb pasta sauce across the bottom. This keeps everything from sticking and infuses the base layer with rich tomato goodness.

Step 7: Toss the Main Filling

In a big mixing bowl, combine the steamed cauliflower, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and chopped green pepper. Gently toss it all together so every bite is loaded with flavor and color.

Step 8: Start Layering

Spread half the filling mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Top with ½ cup pasta sauce, half the pepperonis (press a few in between the veggies for fun surprises), and 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Finish Layering

Add the remaining filling, more pepperoni (reserve about 10 slices for that signature pizza topping look), the last of the sauce, and finish with another 6 ounces of mozzarella. Trust me, the double layers make this Low Carb Pizza Casserole extra-satisfying!

Step 10: Parmesan Topping

Mix your Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Arrange your reserved pepperoni slices on top—this finishes everything with a gorgeous, golden, pizza-like crust.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously melted and the casserole is bubbly throughout. It smells like pure pizza heaven!

How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

Once your Low Carb Pizza Casserole is out of the oven, go wild with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. These tiny touches bring out the pizza flavors and make things look extra vibrant.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing or some oven-roasted vegetables for a complete, veggie-packed meal that never feels heavy. If your crowd isn’t strictly low carb, a slice of garlic bread makes great company, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole straight from the dish for a rustic, family-style appeal, or scoop perfect portions into individual gratin dishes for dinner parties. For a fun twist, portion leftovers into meal-prep containers for easy lunches—a genius grab-and-go solution!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer any remaining Low Carb Pizza Casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days; the flavors actually get more delicious as they mingle!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the dish tightly. It’ll keep well for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy nights.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Low Carb Pizza Casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until hot and bubbly—about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will do in a pinch; cover your portion loosely to keep the cheese from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Swapping in ground turkey or chicken keeps things light but still hearty. If you do, consider adding a little extra Italian seasoning to mimic the classic sausage flavor.

Is it possible to make this Low Carb Pizza Casserole dairy-free?

You sure can—just use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese substitutes. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy all the pizza-inspired flavors.

Which low carb pasta sauce works best?

Rao’s Homemade Marinara is a popular choice thanks to its bold flavor and low sugar content, but any low carb tomato-based sauce that fits your taste buds and nutrition goals will work wonderfully.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in black olives, diced onions, or even spinach for more color, nutrition, or those distinct pizzeria vibes. Just be cautious not to overload it so the casserole stays cohesive.

How do I prevent my casserole from getting watery?

Properly steaming and drying the cauliflower, and sautéing the mushrooms until their moisture is cooked off, are key steps. Avoid skipping these, and your Low Carb Pizza Casserole will come out perfectly textured every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a bubbling Low Carb Pizza Casserole that’s brimming with all your favorite pizza toppings. It’s a comfort food classic that’s as fun and flavorful as it is guilt-free. Gather your friends and family, give this easy recipe a whirl, and prepare to watch the pan disappear!

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