Baked keto pizza casserole topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices in a glass dish

Keto Pizza Casserole – A Low Carb Comfort Food Classic

by

A Family Favorite Reinvented

This Keto Pizza Casserole is the perfect low-carb way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a comforting, cheesy bake.. Growing up in an Italian-American household, pizza night was sacred. But when I shifted to a keto lifestyle, I thought those cheesy, saucy, bread-laden dinners were a thing of the past. That is, until I recreated them—keto style.

This Keto Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza, minus the carbs. It’s cheesy, saucy, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying. Best of all, it’s easy to throw together, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding your family or just your cravings, this dish delivers comfort without the carb crash.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Pizza Casserole

  • Low-carb and grain-free – no crust, no guilt

  • Super cheesy and full of flavor

  • Ready in under 40 minutes

  • Customizable – use your favorite pizza toppings

  • Freezer-friendly – great for meal prep

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Base Layer:

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)

  • 1/2 cup chopped onions

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms

  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

  • 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Toppings:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional for richness)

  • 12–15 slices of pepperoni

  • Optional: olives, jalapeños, cooked bacon, banana peppers

Equipment Needed

  • 9×9″ or 8×8″ baking dish

  • Large skillet

  • Spatula or wooden spoon

  • Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)

How to Make Keto Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground sausage with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add mushrooms and bell peppers, cooking until slightly tender (about 3 minutes). Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the meat and veggie mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Then lay your pepperoni slices (or chosen toppings) across the top like a classic pizza.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and enhances the flavor.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrient Amount
Calories 420
Net Carbs 5g
Fat 32g
Protein 25g
Fiber 2g

Make It Your Way – Keto Pizza Casserole Variations

  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza Casserole
    Replace sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in buffalo sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles.

  • Meat Lovers
    Add bacon crumbles, chopped ham, and spicy sausage.

  • Veggie Deluxe
    Use zucchini, spinach, olives, and red onion for a plant-powered version.

  • Cheeseburger Style
    Swap in ground beef, add chopped pickles, and drizzle with sugar-free ketchup and mustard before serving.

What to Serve with Keto Pizza Casserole

  • Simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon

  • Cauliflower breadsticks

  • Roasted broccoli or green beans

  • Keto ranch dressing as a dipping sauce

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.

  • Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or whole, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight before reheating.

  • Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes! Just make sure it’s sugar-free and low in carbs. Rao’s and Yo Mama’s are great keto-friendly brands.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. It’s naturally grain-free and gluten-free.

What’s the best meat to use?
Italian sausage adds the most flavor, but ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cheese alternatives, but results may vary in texture and melting.

External Resources

Conclusion

This Keto Pizza Casserole brings together the joy of pizza night and the clean, satisfying power of low-carb living. It’s warm, gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it a staple in any keto household.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or an easy meal prep solution, this casserole fits the bill. Dig in—and don’t forget to share your favorite topping combos in the comments!

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Baked keto pizza casserole topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices in a glass dish

Keto Pizza Casserole – A Low Carb Comfort Food Classic

  • Author: Diana Carrozza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the smell of bubbling cheese and pepperoni wafting through the kitchen. Growing up in an Italian-American household, pizza night was sacred. But when I shifted to a keto lifestyle, I thought those cheesy, saucy, bread-laden dinners were a thing of the past. That is, until I recreated them—keto style.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer:

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)

  • 1/2 cup chopped onions

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms

  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

  • 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Toppings:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional for richness)

  • 12–15 slices of pepperoni

  • Optional: olives, jalapeños, cooked bacon, banana peppers

Equipment Needed

  • 9x9″ or 8x8″ baking dish

  • Large skillet

  • Spatula or wooden spoon

  • Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground sausage with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add mushrooms and bell peppers, cooking until slightly tender (about 3 minutes). Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the meat and veggie mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Then lay your pepperoni slices (or chosen toppings) across the top like a classic pizza.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and enhances the flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
  • Calories: 420 calories
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g total
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: keto pizza casserole, low carb casserole, keto dinner recipe, keto pizza bake

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