Are you a pizza lover following a keto or low-carb diet? Do you crave the taste of pizza but want to avoid the carbs that come with a traditional crust? Look no further! This keto low-carb pizza casserole recipe is the perfect solution. It delivers all the flavors you love about pizza without the guilt. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Why Choose a Crustless Pizza Casserole?
Following a low-carb diet doesn't mean giving up your favorite foods. It simply means finding creative ways to modify them. This crustless pizza casserole is a perfect example of how to enjoy the flavors of pizza while staying within your dietary guidelines. It's packed with protein, healthy fats, and delicious toppings, making it a satisfying and complete meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters.
Ingredients and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients and some exciting variations:
- Meat: Ground beef is a classic choice, but you can also use ground sausage (Italian sausage adds a ton of flavor), ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Make sure to drain any excess grease after browning the meat.
- Vegetables: Onions, green peppers, and mushrooms are excellent low-carb options. Feel free to add other vegetables like black olives, spinach, or diced tomatoes.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a must for that classic pizza flavor. You can also use provolone, Parmesan, or a pizza blend cheese (usually a mix of mozzarella, romano, and cheddar).
- Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce. Be sure to check the ingredients and nutritional information, as some sauces can be high in carbs.
- Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Pepperoni is a popular choice, but you can also add other toppings like jalapenos for extra spice, cream cheese for creaminess, or extra vegetables for added nutrients.
Cooking Methods
You can cook this pizza casserole in a variety of ways:
- Crock-Pot: This is a convenient option for busy weeknights. Simply brown the meat, mix all the ingredients in the crock-pot, and cook on low for 4 hours. A casserole crock-pot or an Instant Pot Aura (which allows you to brown the meat in the same pot) works great for this recipe.
- Oven: If you prefer a quicker cooking time, bake the casserole in a casserole dish in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's a general outline of how to make a keto low-carb pizza casserole:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Prepare the Meat: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Add onions and Italian seasoning plus garlic powder. Cook until the onion softens.
- Sauté the Vegetables: If using, sauté the vegetables in the same pan until they are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or directly in the cooking vessel, mix together the cooked meat, vegetables, sauce, and some of the cheese. You can also add ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
- Layer the Casserole: Layer the meat mixture into your casserole dish or crock pot.
- Top with Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni slices.
- Cook: Bake in a preheated oven or cook in a crock-pot according to the instructions above.
Tips and Tricks
- Brown the Meat First: If your crock-pot doesn't have a sauté function, be sure to brown and drain the meat before adding it to the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sautéing the onions and green peppers before adding them to the casserole helps to soften them and bring out their flavor.
- Customize Toppings: If you have picky eaters, you can divide the casserole into sections and add different toppings to each section.
- Use Marinara Sauces: Marinara sauce can be used. Make sure to check the ingredients and nutritional information as some may be loaded with sugar and carbs.
- Make it Creamy: Add diced cream cheese to make the casserole extra creamy.
- Sneak in Veggies: This is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it very family-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
This keto pizza casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a low-carb dressing is a refreshing and healthy option.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli is a delicious and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole.
- 90-Second Bread: If you're missing bread on the keto diet, try making a quick and easy 90-second bread to enjoy with your casserole.
Meal Prep and Storage
This pizza casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. It also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven.
This casserole is also freezer-friendly. Divide it into individual portions and freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
Nutritional Information
This keto crustless pizza has only 6 grams of net carbohydrates in a serving. And, what I love about it, is that nearly all of these carbs are from fresh vegetables! As a means of comparison, according to the USDA, a third of a traditional medium pizza (which is about 2 slices) is 53 grams of net carbs, most of which is from the dough.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto