For those embracing a low-carb or keto lifestyle, the craving for pizza can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there's a delicious and satisfying solution: the Keto Crockpot Pizza Casserole. This recipe captures all the flavors of a traditional pizza without the carb-heavy crust, making it a perfect family-friendly meal. It’s a crowd pleaser and super easy to make.
Why Choose a Crockpot Pizza Casserole?
This Crock-Pot pizza casserole recipe is a home run, and I promise you won’t even miss the crust! With school back in full swing, many are in need of simple, yet filling dinner ideas the entire family will love. This Crockpot slow cooker recipe has been a crowd-pleaser in many homes and is simple to throw together.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the toppings just as you would on your pizza. The recipe also freezes beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dish, based on a common set of ingredients from various recipes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 32 oz (1 quart) of low-carb marinara sauce (Rao's is often recommended)
- 6 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese.
Some recipes may include cauliflower as a "secret ingredient" to add bulk and nutrients while keeping the carb count low. If using cauliflower, about 1 head, chopped, should suffice.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to assemble your keto crockpot pizza casserole:
Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, brown the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease. If you're adding onions and peppers, sauté them with the meat until softened.
Layering in the Crock-Pot: Spray a 5-quart or larger crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Begin by adding 1/3 cup of Rao's sauce just to cover the bottom of the Crock-Pot. Mix together 2 cups mozzarella cheese and the ground beef. Start with about a cup of the beef/sausage meat as the first layer. Repeat these layers by starting off with sauce, then meat, veggies (optional), and cheese.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Add sliced provolone cheese to the top. Top with your choice of pizza toppings.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations
Cheese Lovers Rejoice: If you prefer a higher cheese-to-filling ratio, use a larger crockpot or casserole crockpot. This will allow more of the beef to be topped with cheese.
Spice It Up: Add jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Creamy Texture: Mix in diced cream cheese for a creamier casserole.
Meat Variety: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of meats to suit your taste.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Vegetable Power: Load up on your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, black olives, spinach, or broccoli. Cook any veggies before you put them in the casserole to reduce the amount of liquid in the casserole.
Sauce Selection: Low-carb pizza sauce or tomato paste with no added sugar are excellent choices. Marinara sauce can also be used, but be sure to check the label for sugar content.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container.
Serving Suggestions
This keto pizza is great by itself. It really is a complete meal. A green salad or roasted broccoli makes a perfect side. For those missing bread on the Keto diet, a 90-second bread recipe can be a satisfying addition. Outside of enjoying it as a meal, you could even use this casserole as a dip for celery and serve as a keto appetizer. YUMMO!
Addressing Common Concerns
Too Much Liquid: To prevent a watery casserole, ensure that the meat is thoroughly drained after browning. Cooking vegetables beforehand can also help reduce moisture.
Browning the Meat: Browning the meat is the most time-consuming part of this whole recipe, especially if your ground meat is frozen. If your crock pot doesn’t have the function to brown the meat, be sure to brown and drain before adding to the crock pot.
Splitting Toppings: If everyone doesn’t like pepperoni or someone wants a specific topping, you can always place the ingredient on one side of the crockpot so everyone gets what the want.
Nutritional Information
While nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this casserole is designed to be low in carbs and high in protein and fats, making it suitable for a keto diet.