Craving the classic, comforting taste of pizza but committed to your keto lifestyle? You’ve come to the right place. This Keto Pizza Casserole recipe delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness you love, without the carbs. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and pepperoni. This is the perfect weeknight dinner that will satisfy the entire family, even those who aren’t following a keto diet.
Why This Keto Pizza Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to easy dinners, this crustless pizza casserole checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly fast to assemble, uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that truly feels like a treat.
We designed this recipe to be not just low-carb, but also packed with flavor. The combination of Italian sausage and ground beef creates a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the creamy cheese layer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious ground beef casserole (coming soon) with a fun pizza twist.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: A 50/50 mix adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: These create the luscious, creamy layer that replaces the crust.
- Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Look for a brand with no added sugar to keep it keto-friendly.
- Cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and parmesan is essential for that perfect cheesy pull.
- Pepperoni: Use your favorite kind; turkey or beef pepperoni work great too.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder bring it all together.
How to Make The Best Keto Pizza Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this dish is as easy as browning meat and layering ingredients. Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the rich base of your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the meat and cream cheese mixture evenly in the skillet or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the low-carb marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. For crispier pepperoni, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Low-Carb Pizza Bake
To make your casserole truly stand out, keep these tips in mind. First, use full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella for the best flavor and meltiest texture. Second, don’t be afraid to add your favorite pizza toppings. Sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers are fantastic additions. For a different take on pizza flavors, try our pizza grilled cheese recipe.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to customize it!
- Supreme Pizza Casserole: Add cooked mushrooms, chopped green bell peppers, and black olives with the pepperoni.
- Meat Lover’s Delight: Include cooked bacon crumbles and diced ham for an even heartier meal.
- Veggie-Packed Version: Stir in some sautéed zucchini or spinach for an extra dose of vegetables. A dish like sautéed zucchini (coming soon) makes a great side as well.
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
This Keto Pizza Casserole is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until hot and bubbly or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken. The cooking time should remain roughly the same. Just ensure the meat is cooked through before assembling the casserole.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any grains or flour for a crust. Just be sure to double-check that your Italian sausage and pepperoni are certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity or celiac disease.
Each serving of this Keto Pizza Casserole contains approximately 5 grams of net carbs. This is calculated by subtracting the fiber (1g) from the total carbohydrates (6g). This can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the marinara sauce.
The best low-carb marinara sauces are those with no added sugars. Brands like Rao’s Homemade or Yo Mama’s Foods are popular choices in the keto community. Always check the nutrition label for the lowest net carbs.
Get the Full Recipe Below!
Ready to make the best Keto Pizza Casserole of your life? Find the detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information in the recipe card below.
Keto Pizza Casserole (Easy, Cheesy, & Low-Carb!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top the meat mixture with the low-carb marinara sauce, followed by the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For crispier pepperoni, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure your marinara sauce is low in sugar to keep the net carb count down. Check the label for 'no added sugar'.
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