This crustless pizza casserole gives you all the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with far fewer carbs. Ground beef or sausage browns with sweet onion and bell pepper, then simmers in a sugar-free marinara and bakes under a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. It smells like a warm pizzeria and has a tender, bubbling top with a meaty, sauce-rich base. If you like easy weeknight dinners or low-carb comfort food, this casserole hits the mark. For another simple low-carb casserole idea, check out this easy low-carb chicken casserole that uses similar pantry-friendly techniques.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes skillet + 25 minutes baking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (1 of 6):
- Calories per serving: 310 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
Why Make This Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
This recipe is fast, filling, and keeps carbs low without sacrificing the classic pizza taste. It delivers savory beef or sausage, bright tomato sauce, and rich, melty cheese in every bite. The texture contrasts—tender meat, smooth sauce, and bubbly golden cheese—make it satisfying for keto eaters and anyone who loves comfort food. It’s also flexible: swap proteins, change cheeses, or add toppings to match your cravings. The dish reheats well and freezes nicely, making it a great meal-prep option.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
This casserole relies on simple steps: brown the meat, build the sauce with vegetables and seasonings, top with cheese, and bake until golden. Use a well-seasoned skillet, drain excess fat for a lighter dish, and choose a sugar-free marinara to keep carbs down. Grease the baking dish so the cheese doesn’t stick and allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: olives, mushrooms, pepperoni
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-size casserole dish. Dice the onion and chop the bell pepper so they are ready when the meat is browned.
Step 2: Mixing
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Cooking
Stir in the 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Finishing
Transfer the meat and sauce mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then grate or sprinkle the 1/2 cup Parmesan over the mozzarella. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, and add any optional toppings like olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
Cut into squares and serve hot. It pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a low-carb plate. For a party, serve in small bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes. The melty cheese and savory sauce smell and taste like classic pizza, so a bright, acidic side (like pickled peppers) balances the richness.
How to Store Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Reheat covered at 325°F (160°C) to keep cheese from drying. For a crisp top, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
- Choose leaner ground beef (90/10) or drain well to reduce grease.
- Use a thick, sugar-free marinara to avoid watery casserole. If your sauce is thin, simmer longer to reduce it.
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- For extra flavor, brown the meat with a pinch of smoked paprika or fennel seed (if you like sausage notes).
- If using pepperoni as a topping, add halfway through baking to avoid burning.
- For a cheesier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- To make it lower sodium, choose low-sodium cheese and sauce and reduce added salt.
Delicious Variations
- Pepperoni & Mushroom: Stir sliced mushrooms into the meat mixture and top with pepperoni before baking.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add chopped zucchini and spinach for extra veggies; squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini first.
- Italian Sausage Version: Use Italian sausage instead of beef for a spicier, herby flavor.
- Chicken Twist: Replace the ground meat with shredded cooked chicken for a milder flavor and pair with pesto plus mozzarella.
- Buffalo Pizza Casserole: Mix in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works well and reduces saturated fat. Brown it the same way and add a bit of extra seasoning if it tastes mild.
Q: Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: How can I make the casserole less soggy?
A: Drain excess fat after browning the meat and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened. Avoid watery veggies; sauté them first to remove moisture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time for a potluck?
A: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What cheese substitutes work well?
A: Colby Jack, provolone, or fontina melt nicely. Use grated Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper finish instead of Parmesan.
Q: How can I make this milder or spicier?
A: To mellow it, use mild sausage or ground turkey and reduce pepper. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or mix in a dash of cayenne.
Q: Will this work in a smaller or larger baking dish?
A: Yes. For a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes in the oven. For a larger dish, the layer will be thinner and may cook a bit faster.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole is a cozy, cheesy dinner that tastes like pizza without the crust. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt, and ideal for meal prep or family dinners. If you want another crustless pizza-style recipe or extra inspiration, check out this detailed version on Keto Pizza Casserole (Crustless Pizza) on Dr. Davinah’s Eats for tips and variations. Give the casserole a try — it’s comforting, flavorful, and a great fit for low-carb living.
Print
Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A hearty, low-carb casserole that captures the flavors of classic pizza without the crust, featuring ground beef or sausage, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: olives, mushrooms, pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spread evenly, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables. It can be adapted with different proteins and toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
