Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy pizza without the carbs, you’ll absolutely love this Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole.
It’s packed with savory flavors that bring all your favorite pizza toppings together in a hearty dish. I love how easy it’s to prepare; you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying it with friends and family.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, making it a go-to for busy weeks. The combination of cheeses and spices creates a satisfying, cheesy experience that truly satisfies cravings without the guilt.
You won’t want to miss out!
Ingredients of Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole
If you’re ready to whip up a scrumptious Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole, let’s get into the ingredient list. Trust me, this dish is a game changer for pizza lovers looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor.
You’ll gather some savory meats, colorful veggies, and a gooey mix of cheeses that will make your taste buds sing. It’s like a pizza party in a baking dish. What’s not to love?
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sausage
- Italian spices (your favorite blend)
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 ounces thin sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters (and save some for the top)
- 15 ounces pizza sauce
- 7 ounces black olives, sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
When it comes to ingredients, you can get a little creative. Don’t love mushrooms? Leave them out or swap them for something you adore, like zucchini or spinach.
You might even want to experiment with different cheese blends; maybe throw in some provolone or gouda for a twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
The beauty of this casserole is that it’s versatile. You can tailor it to your taste, making it a dish that’s not just low carb, but also uniquely yours.
How to Make Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole
Making the Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole is easier than you might think, and oh boy, is it worth it. First things first, grab that 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of sausage. In a large skillet, cook these savory meats over medium heat, breaking them up as they brown. Don’t forget to sprinkle in your favorite Italian spices; this is where the magic begins. The aroma will have your family wandering into the kitchen like hungry puppies.
Once the meat is nicely browned, drain off any excess fat—let’s keep this casserole low carb, but not low flavor.
Now, here comes the fun part. Toss in 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup each of green and red bell peppers, along with 3 pressed garlic cloves and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these colorful veggies until they’re tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften but not turn into mush; after all, we want some texture in this dish.
Once they’re just right, take the skillet off the heat and mix in 15 ounces of pizza sauce and most of the 3 ounces of quartered pepperoni. Stir it all together like you’re creating a masterpiece, and it’s okay if you sneak a taste or two—this is quality control, right?
Now, let’s build our casserole. Grab a 13X9 Pyrex baking dish and spray it with a little Pam to prevent any sticky situations. Pour in that glorious meat and veggie mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Next, sprinkle most of the 7 ounces of sliced black olives over the top. Now, it’s cheese time! In a bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded mozzarella with 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Spread this cheesy goodness over the olives—don’t be shy here; cheese makes everything better.
Finally, finish it off with a sprinkle of 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and the remaining pepperoni and black olives for added flair. Bake it all in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. Trust me, the wait will be worth it, and your kitchen will smell incredible. Now, dig in!
Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole, there’s plenty of room to get creative with substitutions and variations.
For a lighter option, I sometimes swap the ground beef and sausage for turkey or chicken. You can also explore different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or dairy-free alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant.
Adding veggies like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes can boost nutrition and flavor. If you’re a fan of seafood, try incorporating shrimp or crab.
Don’t forget to experiment with different types of pizza sauce or even pesto for a unique twist!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although I love how easy this casserole is to prepare, there are a few tips that can enhance your cooking experience.
First, feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences; adding jalapeños or spinach can amp up the flavor. I recommend letting the casserole rest for those ten minutes—it helps the layers set.
When it comes to cheese, experimenting with different blends can yield delicious results. Finally, don’t skip the black olives on top; they add a nice finish.
Enjoy this dish with a side salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and low carb!