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
Scale
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
