Introduction
Welcome to a delicious keto-friendly recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole! If you’re looking for a low-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional pizza, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
With a combination of savory pepperoni, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole captures all the classic flavors of a traditional pizza without the carb-heavy crust. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking to cut back on carbs, this recipe is a fantastic option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get ready to indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling fully satisfied. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and the simple steps to create this mouthwatering Pepperoni Pizza Casserole.
So, without further ado, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to bake up a delicious keto-friendly Pepperoni Pizza Casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To make this Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the low-carb marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
Feel free to customize this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole to suit your tastes. You can add other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage for a twist on the classic pepperoni pizza flavor. Experiment with different cheeses or try a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to your preferences.
Whether you’re following a strict ketogenic diet or simply trying to reduce your carb intake, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal option that the whole family will enjoy.
Tips
– Make sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef before assembling the casserole to prevent it from becoming too oily.
– For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of the baking time to brown the cheese slightly.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal option.
– Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the classic taste of pizza without the guilt of a carb-heavy crust. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this casserole in no time and impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade meal.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every cheesy, pepperoni-packed bite of this mouthwatering Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your pizza cravings while sticking to your keto diet goals.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the original instructions.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Both options will work well and provide a leaner protein alternative.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add some heat to the dish, try using spicy pepperoni or adding red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. You can also experiment with adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
A delicious keto-friendly casserole that captures all the classic flavors of a traditional pizza without the carb-heavy crust. This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is packed with savory pepperoni, gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a blend of seasonings, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 cup low-carb marinara sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup sliced pepperoni
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Brown the ground beef with chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder.
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Spread the cooked ground beef mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni.
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Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
