Low Carb Pizza Casserole 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Pizza Flavor without the Guilt: Craving pizza but not the carbs? This casserole captures that cheesy, meaty, pizza goodness without blowing your diet!
2. Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a perfect dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.
3. Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: Whether feeding a family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is always a hit. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
4. Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: With just 4g net carbs per serving, it’s the ultimate guilt-free comfort food.

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Pizza Without the Crust: Yes, Please!

We all know that pizza is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But let’s be real: traditional pizza can wreak havoc on your low-carb or keto lifestyle. Enter the Low Carb Pizza Casserole—a delicious, hearty dish that packs all the iconic pizza flavors without the carb-laden crust.

Imagine digging into layers of savory sausage, gooey mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and roasted veggies, all topped with melty cheese and Italian seasoning. The secret? Instead of dough, we’re using tender cauliflower florets that absorb the saucy, cheesy goodness like a dream.

Trust me, even the most dedicated pizza purist will be impressed. This casserole has that comforting, cheesy, pizza-vibe—minus the carb crash.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 🥦 14 ounces (400g) Cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
• 🍕 2.5 ounces (70g) Pepperoni
• 🍖 2 pounds (900g) Italian Sausage, casing removed
• 🫒 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 🍄 8 ounces (225g) Mushrooms, sliced
• 🌶️ 1 Green Pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
• 🧀 12 ounces (340g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 🍅 1.5 cups (360ml) Low Carb Pasta Sauce, like Rao’s Homemade Marinara
• 🧂 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, powdered
• 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower

• Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes.
• Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
• Pro Tip: Patting the cauliflower dry is crucial to avoid a watery casserole.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a large casserole dish with olive oil.

Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
• Cook for 15 minutes or until browned.
• Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
• Tip: Use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier kick!

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Spread 1/2 cup of the low-carb pasta sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green pepper.
• Layer half of this mixture into the casserole dish.
• Pour 1/2 cup sauce over the mixture, then add half of the pepperoni and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
• Finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete low-carb meal.

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Presentation Ideas

• Italian Feast: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve in individual ramekins for a charming touch.
• Game Day Style: Top with sliced jalapeños and serve with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.
• Family-Style Dinner: Serve straight from the baking dish at the table, with extra cheese and red pepper flakes on the side.
• Comfort Food Vibe: Add dollops of ricotta cheese before baking for extra creaminess.

Serving Tips

• Cut the casserole into squares for easy serving. It holds its shape well after cooling slightly.
• Enjoy with a glass of dry red wine for a perfect pairing!

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How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
   Yes, but the sausage adds more flavor. Add some Italian seasoning to the beef for a similar taste.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
   Use vegan cheese and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of pasta sauce?
   Sure! Just make sure to season and cook them down to thicken the sauce.
5. What other veggies can I add?
   Zucchini, bell peppers, or olives would complement the dish well.
6. Why is my casserole watery?
   Make sure to drain the cauliflower well and pat it dry before layering.
7. Can I make this spicy?
   Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
8. What can I serve with this casserole?
   A simple side salad or roasted veggies pairs well.
9. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and peppers, and add more cheese for protein.
10. What’s the best way to reheat it without drying out?
    Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave with a damp paper towel on top.

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Final Thoughts

Low-carb doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite comfort foods! This Low Carb Pizza Casserole offers all the cheesy, savory satisfaction of traditional pizza in a keto-friendly form. With easy customization options and simple preparation, it’s a no-brainer addition to your recipe rotation.

Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, this casserole proves that pizza cravings can be satisfied without guilt. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a go-to dish for anyone craving pizza without the carbs!