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Keto Pizza Casserole - A Cozy, Low-Carb Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground Italian sausage (1 pound; mild or hot) or ground beef/turkey
  • Cauliflower (1 medium head, riced) or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower
  • Low-sugar marinara sauce (about 1.5 cups; aim for 4g net carbs or less per serving)
  • Mozzarella cheese (3 cups shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated)
  • Pepperoni slices (about 30–40 slices)
  • Bell pepper (1 small, diced)
  • Mushrooms (1 cup sliced)
  • Black olives (1/3 cup sliced)
  • Onion (1/2 small, diced)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Italian seasoning (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the cauliflower: If using fresh, pulse florets in a food processor until rice-like. Sauté in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt for 5–7 minutes until tender and most moisture evaporates. Set aside.
  3. Brown the meat: In the same skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add bell pepper and mushrooms; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Season and sauce: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and a few grinds of black pepper. Pour in the low-sugar marinara and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spread the cooked cauliflower evenly in the baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella. Spoon the meat-sauce mixture over the cheese. Scatter olives. Add remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
  7. Add pepperoni: Arrange slices over the cheese so they crisp slightly in the oven.
  8. Bake: Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.