Keto pizza casserole. Okay, right off the bat, if you’re like me, you’ve probably had those evenings when pizza sounds like the best idea in the world, but—the carbs! Oh, they haunt me. The last time I even thought about ordering delivery, I swear my jeans glared at me from across the room. That’s where this handy casserole slides in to save the day. It’s all the classic pizza flavors in one bubbly, melty dish. Weeknight lifesaver? I sure think so.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Honestly, I could eat this keto pizza casserole every week, and nobody would complain in my house. You skip the crust, but you keep all the good stuff. The cheese, the pepperoni, the sausage (if you’re a meat lover), and those tangy pizza spices… all melted together. It’s like a five-star restaurant comfort dish without the stress, and way easier on the wallet too.
What gets me every time is how easy it is. You just throw everything in a dish, bake, and you don’t even have to mess with dough. Best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, if you’re lucky enough to have any. My kids can’t keep their hands off it. Honestly, I never hear complaints (which is rare). Here’s what one of my friends texted after making it:
“This was honestly better than takeout. My husband didn’t miss the crust at all, and it made dinner so much easier!”
Benefits of a Crustless Pizza
So here’s the deal: no crust means way less carbs. Honestly, that’s the main reason I started making this keto pizza casserole, but now I just appreciate the whole idea. It also bakes faster, doesn’t get soggy, and the flavors stand out way more. You get that caramelized, gooey finish on top, with all those pizza toppings nestled underneath.
Pulling out a messy dough roller or waiting on yeast? Hard pass for me. Plus, bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free for anyone needing that. And don’t get me started on clean-up—it’s practically a breeze compared to traditional homemade pizza. No sticky counters, no flour explosion. Just a casserole to scoop and serve.
Ingredients Needed
Alright, let’s get real simple. You probably have most of these in your fridge already. Grab some ground Italian sausage or beef, a handful of shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (or whatever pizza toppings you like), low-sugar pizza sauce, and a couple eggs to help everything stick together. Italian seasoning is a must for the right flavor. Sometimes I’ll toss in mushrooms or olives if I’m feeling wild.
I won’t give you an encyclopedia’s worth of substitutions, but this recipe is forgiving. Turkey sausage works. Veggies? Sure, go nuts. Maybe I’ll sneak in some spinach for my health—but you do you. Just don’t skip the cheese, whatever you do.
How to Make Keto Pizza Casserole
Honestly, making this is hardly more complicated than making your morning coffee (well, maybe a tiny bit). First, brown your meat in a pan. I usually toss in some chopped onions at this stage, but no pressure. Drain any extra grease—nobody wants a puddle at the bottom of their casserole. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and anything else you’re into.
Next, spread that mix into a casserole dish. Pour over lightly beaten eggs—they turn into the magic “glue.” Smother it all with cheese and top with pepperoni (or whatever toppings make your heart sing). Bake until bubbly and golden. Sometimes I let it broil for just a minute for crispy cheese, but that’s just me living on the edge.
Let it cool a few before digging in—molten cheese is a real thing and will burn the roof of your mouth if you’re not careful. Once it’s set a bit, it cuts into hearty squares that hold together like a dream.
Expert Tips & FAQs
Let the casserole rest before slicing—trust me, things will firm up. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle on crushed red pepper or garlic powder. Don’t get too wild with veggies, or it’ll get watery. And leftovers? Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. I heat them up in a skillet (gets those crispy cheese bits back!).
If you want to cut down on dairy (I know some folks do), you can use less cheese, but be warned: it won’t be as “pizza-parlor” melty. And if you want that “crust” experience, try lining the bottom with a layer of browned sausage. It kind of fakes it!
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon this casserole over some fresh arugula for a simple salad-pizza combo.
- Chopped herbs like basil or parsley make it look snazzier (and taste brighter).
- Got keto bread handy? Slices for scooping up extra sauce are next level.
- Side of roasted veggies if you want to get really ambitious—just saying.
Common Questions
Does this keto pizza casserole reheat well?
Oh, totally. Microwave is fine, but I love tossing a chunk in my air fryer for crispy edges.
Can I make it ahead?
Yup. Assemble it, stash it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready to eat.
My kids don’t like pepperoni. Suggestions?
Swap it out! Ham, cooked chicken, or just lots of cheese are all great.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It slices and stores like a dream. Makes lunches so much easier.
Do you need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, unless you enjoy stuck-on cheese. Not judging, but you’ll thank me later.
Why I Could Eat This Keto Pizza Casserole All Week
Seriously, this has become one of my all-time favorites for a reason. It’s crazy satisfying with all that gooey cheese and bold pizza flavor—minus the blood sugar drama. Plus, less mess. If you need more inspo, check out Keto Pizza Casserole – All Day I Dream About Food or Low-Carb Deconstructed Pizza Casserole – Kalyn’s Kitchen for other spins on this style. Either way, promise me you’ll try it? Don’t let the “keto” label scare you. One bite, and you’ll feel like you made magic with barely any effort.
Print
Keto Pizza Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Keto, Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious keto pizza casserole featuring all the classic pizza flavors without the crust, making it low in carbs and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or beef)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings)
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Optional: mushrooms, olives, spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the meat in a pan, optionally adding chopped onions.
- Drain any excess grease from the meat.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the meat mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Pour lightly beaten eggs over the mixture.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- If desired, broil for an additional minute for crispy cheese.
- Let cool briefly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Let the casserole rest before slicing to firm up. Store leftovers in a sealed container and reheat in a skillet for crispy edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: keto, pizza casserole, low carb, gluten-free, easy dinner, weeknight meal