Dive into the comforting embrace of cheesy goodness with this Low-Carb Pizza Casserole that promises all the flavor without the fuss! Perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty yet healthy, this dish combines the beloved flavors of a classic pizza with the ease of a casserole.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to last through the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a magical dinner experience. With its rich layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, and robust marinara, each bite is a testament to the fact that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
It’s a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a comforting meal that keeps you within your carb goals. Let’s get baking and bring the pizzeria to your kitchen!
Preparation Time
- 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking)
Servings
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (Recommended: Rao’s, or use homemade marinara linked above)
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12 slices pepperoni (preferably uncured, nitrate-free)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle the olive oil and add the chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are fragrant and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a meat chopper to break the beef into chunks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the cream cheese and marinara sauce. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the cream cheese has melted.
- Combine Eggs and Cream: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking oil spray if not non-stick. Transfer the beef mixture to the dish. Evenly pour over the egg mixture.
- Top it Off: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top and layer with pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned at the edges. Check at 17 minutes for perfection.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set.