Craving pizza but trying to stick to your keto diet? Prepare to be amazed by this game-changing Pizza Casserole that delivers all the mouth-watering flavors of your favorite pizza without the carb-loaded guilt! This incredibly easy-to-make dish combines the rich, savory goodness of ground beef, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella in a single, irresistible casserole that will have your entire family begging for seconds. Whether you're a keto enthusiast or just looking for a delicious low-carb meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.
- Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Transfer the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Pour the pizza sauce over the beef mixture, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle the pepperoni slices over the sauce, distributing them uniformly.
- Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden brown edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
Tips
- Drain the Ground Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other low-carb pizza toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Cheese Matters: Use high-quality, freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking to let the cheese set and flavors meld together.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Check for Doneness: The cheese should be melted and slightly golden brown around the edges when it's ready.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness and make your dish look restaurant-worthy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
