Keto Italian Casserole Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide

When winter rolls around, many people turn to comfort food on cold days, and there’s nothing better than a flavorful keto casserole for dinner to really warm you up. A keto Italian casserole delivers the pizza flavor by skipping the crust and keeping it low carb.

This article explores various keto Italian casserole recipes perfect for those following low-carb, ketogenic, Atkins, diabetic, LC/HF, and Banting diets. These casseroles are easy to prepare, family-friendly, and great for meal prep.

Keto Italian Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Keto Italian Casserole has quickly become a go-to dinner. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead of time and throw in the oven when trying to figure out what to make for dinner. This casserole smells amazing while baking and is a delicious casserole that the entire family will devour. It’s like all the best parts of a pizza combined with perfectly seasoned chicken. The seasoning of the chicken cubes before sautéing and adding to the dish is excellent.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. (24 oz.) cubed chicken
• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Marinara sauce
• Sliced pepperoni
• Red onions
• Green peppers
• Mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add cubed chicken, olive oil, oregano, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the seasoned chicken and cook until all sides are no longer pink (about 15 minutes).
3. Add cooked chicken to a 9x13 casserole dish.
4. Pour in marinara sauce and coat until chicken is covered.
5. Add sliced pepperoni, red onions, and green peppers.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese until covered.
7. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keto-Friendly Italian Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

This Keto-friendly Italian Ground Beef Casserole Recipe makes a meal even the kids will love! It’s suitable for low-carb, ketogenic, Atkins, diabetic, LC/HF, and Banting diets. This casserole is a grown-up version of Beef-a-roni!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cauliflower, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 ounces white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 1/2 cup cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, finely shredded, quantity divided

Instructions:

1. Spray an 8" X 8" baking dish with a non-stick spray.
2. Place 1 1/2-2 inches of water in the lower part of a steamer. Bring water to a simmer. Place cauliflower in the upper part of the steamer, cover, and fit the upper part of the steamer over the simmering water. Steam cauliflower until tender--about 10-12 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the outside of the beef is browned. Drain if desired.
4. Add onions to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are tender. Turn heat to medium. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce. Add the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
5. When mixture comes to a simmer, stir in reserved cauliflower and 1/2 cup of the cheese. When cheese has melted and cauliflower has reheated, taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared 8 X 8 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top.
7. Place rack about 8 inches below heat element in oven. Preheat broiler. (If pan is not broiler-safe, set oven to 425º Fahrenheit.)
8. Place the casserole under the broiler (or in preheated oven if using the non-broiler option) until cheese has melted as desired.

Low Carb Italian Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty low carb Italian casserole, this recipe is exactly what you need. Made with riced cauliflower, ground beef, sausage, and layers of gooey mozzarella, it delivers bold Italian flavor without the carbs.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 10 oz riced cauliflower
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 lb ground beef or venison
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 16 oz keto-friendly marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam the riced cauliflower until soft.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until golden and fragrant. Spread into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Brown the Italian sausage and ground beef in the same skillet. Once fully cooked, layer the meat mixture on top of the onions in your casserole dish.
4. Add the steamed cauliflower, marinara, ricotta, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Low Carb Italian Beef Bake

This low-carb Italian Beef Bake recipe is gluten-free, keto-friendly, rich, and creamy, with delicious Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, pork)
• 1 bag (10-12 oz) frozen cauliflower rice
• 1 container (15 oz) full-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup keto-friendly tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Steam the cauliflower rice in the microwave per package directions, set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooled cauliflower rice.
4. Spread the cauliflower rice mixture into the bottom of a 3-quart (9 x 13) casserole dish.
5. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, add the garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and tomato sauce. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
6. Pour half of the beef mixture over the cauliflower rice mixture. Spread with the back of a spoon to even.
7. Top with the remaining beef mixture and mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keto Pizza Casserole

Layered with meaty flavor, a great sauce, plenty of cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings, this amazing keto Pizza Casserole is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (24 oz) jar tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 oz olives, sliced (optional)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Pepperoni slices

Instructions:

1. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage to a large skillet and brown it. Add a bit of oil if necessary.
2. Drain the meat if necessary, then add the onion and Italian seasoning plus garlic powder.
3. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the tomato sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
5. Turn off the heat and add the bell pepper. Fold in the mushrooms and olives if you’re using them.
6. Put the meat mixture into your casserole dish and top it with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Dot the top with the pepperoni slices.
8. Bake in a pre-heated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.

Tips and Variations for Keto Italian Casseroles

• Meat Substitutions: You can use ground turkey, venison, or chicken instead of ground beef. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) also works well.
• Vegetable Additions: Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Use cream cheese or parmesan for added richness. A basic cheddar or cheddar blend can also be used for a kid-friendly version.
• Spice It Up: Add hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make-Ahead: These casseroles can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Sugar-Free Marinara: Use a sugar-free marinara like Rao’s or make your own low-carb version to keep the casserole keto-friendly.
• Customize Seasonings: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the meat for a vegetarian option.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower are high in an antioxidant compound called sulforaphane (SFN). Oxidative stress is a major contributor to CVD, along with inflammation.
• Garlic: In one study, a group of volunteers took a garlic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks between November and February (a common time for people to come down with colds and cases of the flu).
• Turkey: Turkey is not only an excellent source of protein, but it may also help you fall asleep. Tryptophan, an amino acid that’s found in abundance in turkey, is a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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