Description
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pizza into a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying bake that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. Made with cauliflower, sausage, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella, it’s an easy comfort food with a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cauliflower and Vegetables
- 14 ounces Cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
Proteins
- 2.5 ounces Pepperoni
- 2 pounds Italian Sausage, removed from casing
Other Vegetables
- 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Green Pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
Dairy
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1.5 cups Low Carb Pasta Sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for approximately 3 minutes until tender. Drain, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage for about 15 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until excess water evaporates. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce evenly on the bottom.
- Combine vegetables and meats: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers until well mixed.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the mixture into the dish, then top with ½ cup of pasta sauce, half of the pepperoni slices pressed into the mixture, and 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella.
- Add remaining layers: Spread the remaining mixture evenly, top with remaining pepperoni slices (reserve about 10 for the top), ½ cup of pasta sauce, and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Season the top: Mix Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl and sprinkle over the casserole. Place the reserved pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the Italian seasoning mixture.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
