If you are craving the comforting flavors of pizza without straying from your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It combines a rich, cheesy crust with savory, spiced meat and zesty marinara, all layered beautifully in one dish that satisfies that pizza craving in a wholesome, keto-friendly way. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, meaty, and tangy notes, making it a standout meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and purposeful ingredients unlocks the magic behind this Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in shaping the luscious texture, bold flavor, and rich color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Provides a smooth, creamy base essential for the crust’s tender texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups + 2 cups): Melts perfectly to create gooey pockets of cheese in both crust and topping.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the crust rise slightly, keeping it light yet firm.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the crust ingredients while adding richness.
- Superfine almond flour (1½ cups + 1/4 cup): The low-carb flour base that delivers the crust’s authentic texture and thickens the filling.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Infuses the crust and filling with classic herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic butter (2 Tbsp): Adds decadent garlic aroma and a golden finish to the casserole.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings rich, hearty taste to the meaty filling.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1 lb): Adds spice and depth, complementing the beef perfectly.
- Mini pepperoni (5-oz package): Introduces a satisfying punch of smoky, savory flavor.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Essential for that authentic Italian garlic warmth in the filling.
- Marinara sauce (24-oz jar): Provides robust tomato goodness tying the filling together beautifully.
How to Make Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the perfect stage for baking. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella by microwaving them on high for one minute. Stir until you get a smooth, creamy blend that forms the foundation for your crust. Once combined, incorporate the baking powder, eggs, Italian seasoning, and 1½ cups of superfine almond flour into the cheese mix, stirring well until it transforms into a workable dough.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Crust
Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper for easy removal later, then press the dough evenly into the pan. This crust layer shapes the base of your casserole, so be sure to spread it uniformly. After pressing, carefully peel off the parchment and pop the crust into the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring a slightly crisp finish when baked.
Step 3: Make the Savory Meat Filling
While the crust chills, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink, then drain off excess grease to keep things from feeling too heavy. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just thirty seconds to awaken its wonderful aroma. Next, add the mini pepperoni, the remaining 1/4 cup almond flour, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – combining these ingredients creates that quintessential pizza flavor swirling through the filling. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting everything meld together. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Remove the chilled crust from the fridge and spray your casserole pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the piping-hot meat and sauce mixture evenly into the pan, then layer the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meat. Gently place the crust on top, sealing your savory filling in a comforting blanket of cheesy almond flour crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, brush the entire top of the casserole with melted garlic butter to add a rich, flavorful shine. This final touch brings a luscious garlic aroma and mouthwatering moistness to the crust surface, making each slice irresistible.
How to Serve Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes your Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano leaves on top for a vibrant green pop that enhances the authentic Italian feel. A few red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick for those who like a little heat, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with fresh, crunchy sides brightens the meal. Think a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed low-carb vegetables like zucchini or broccoli also complement the richness of the casserole while keeping the meal keto-friendly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve portions of this casserole in mini ramekins or individual casserole dishes. Layering it with extra mozzarella on top before broiling briefly can create an irresistible bubbly crust. Alternatively, use colorful serving platters and garnish with fresh herbs to create a festive table centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, the casserole will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors even on days when cooking feels like a chore.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if possible. Reheat covered in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain melty cheese and moist filling. Alternatively, microwave slices on medium power in short bursts, stirring or rotating between bursts for an even heat.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with coconut flour for the crust?
While coconut flour is another low-carb option, it absorbs much more moisture than almond flour. This recipe is designed specifically with almond flour’s texture in mind, so substituting may result in a dry or crumbly crust. If you want to experiment, use much less coconut flour and add extra eggs or cheese to adjust the moisture.
Is this Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour and contains no ingredients with gluten, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marinara sauce and seasoning blends do not have hidden gluten additives.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Modifying this recipe to be dairy-free is a bit challenging since cream cheese and mozzarella are key to the crust and filling texture. You might try vegan cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives, but results will vary. For a more seamless dairy-free pizza casserole, consider different crust approaches such as cauliflower or vegetable bases.
How spicy is the casserole? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the Italian seasoning and pepperoni. If you prefer more heat, add red pepper flakes or substitute spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor. To tone it down, choose mild sausage and omit any additional spicy seasonings.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and diced vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetarian pepperoni options or omit them altogether to keep the pizza flavors vibrant and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to indulge in all the best parts of pizza without the carb overload or guilt. Its creamy crust, meaty sauce, and generous cheese layers come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and keto-compliant. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving a hearty, homemade meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to comfort food!
Print
Keto Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Pizza Casserole is a low-carb, delicious twist on classic pizza, featuring a creamy cheese and almond flour crust topped with a hearty Italian sausage and ground beef mixture smothered in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for keto followers or anyone seeking a comforting, gluten-free pizza alternative.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups superfine almond flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Filling:
- 2 Tbsp garlic butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 (5-oz) package mini pepperoni
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup superfine almond flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Keto Crust: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave cream cheese and mozzarella cheese on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Then add baking powder, eggs, Italian seasoning, and 1½ cups superfine almond flour. Mix well to form the dough.
- Form the Crust: Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper and press the dough evenly into the pan. Remove the parchment paper and refrigerate the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in mini pepperoni, ¼ cup almond flour, and Italian seasoning until combined.
- Add Sauce & Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Top with Crust: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and place it on top of the meat and cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Garlic Butter: Brush the top of the casserole with melted garlic butter for added flavor and shine before serving.
Notes
- Use superfine almond flour to ensure a smooth crust texture.
- Removing casings from the Italian sausage before cooking allows for better blending with the ground beef.
- Refrigerating the crust helps it set and hold together when baked.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper, since marinara sauce can vary in saltiness.
- This casserole stores well and can be reheated for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
