Ah, Low Carb Pizza Casserole! Now, this is a dish that warms my heart and fills my belly with joy! I remember the first time I made this casserole; I was attempting to stick to a low-carb diet, but my cravings for pizza were off the charts. One evening, I decided to experiment, and boy, did I create a winner! It was like having all the delightful flavors of pizza without the guilt.
What I love most about this casserole is its versatility. You can load it up with your favorite toppings, and it’s just as comforting as a classic pizza. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this dish brings everyone together and leaves them asking for seconds. Let me share this scrumptious recipe with you!
What’s in Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
Cauliflower: The base of our casserole, cauliflower acts as the perfect stand-in for traditional pizza crust. When cooked, it becomes soft and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Italian Sausage: Ah, the star of the show! I always go for a spicy Italian sausage because it adds a kick and a ton of flavor to the dish. Just be mindful of your spice tolerance – you don’t want to blow anyone’s socks off!
Bell Peppers: I love adding a mix of red and green bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness. Plus, they bring that classic pizza topping vibe right into the casserole!
Mozzarella Cheese: You can’t have pizza without gooey cheese! I recommend using freshly grated mozzarella for that perfect meltiness that binds everything together.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors and helps the veggies caramelize nicely. It’s a heart-healthy fat that I’m always excited to include in my cooking.
Pizza Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. I usually go for a low-sugar variety to keep this dish on the healthier side.
Is Low Carb Pizza Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic choice for those looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying something glorious to eat.
Cauliflower: This veggie is low in calories and carbohydrates and is a good source of vitamins C and K. It promotes heart health and helps with digestion, making it a great addition to your meals.
Italian Sausage: While it does contain some fat, it also packs a punch of protein, perfect for keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Just opt for leaner cuts if you’re keeping an eye on the fat content.
Cheese: A good source of calcium, interacting with other ingredients can add protein and flavor without overwhelming carbs. Just remember, moderation is key!
Ingredients
– 1 medium cauliflower head (about 4 cups riced)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
– 1 cup bell peppers, diced
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Italian seasoning (to taste)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
Serves 6.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Begin by ricing your cauliflower. You can do this by cutting the cauliflower into florets and pulsing them in a food processor until they resemble rice. If you don’t have a processor, you can grate it with a box grater.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the riced cauliflower for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
4. In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through.
5. Stir in the diced bell peppers and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften.
6. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, pour the sausage and cauliflower mixture and spread it evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pizza Party Variations!
Feel free to customize this casserole to your heart’s content!
– **Add Toppings**: Think of your favorite pizza toppings – pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or even some sautéed spinach.
– **Spice It Up**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture or on top.
– **Dairy-Free Option**: Substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it lactose-free.
I genuinely hope you give this Low Carb Pizza Casserole a try! The flavors will have you reminiscing about pizza night without any of the guilt. And if you do, please snap a picture and share your experience with me. It’d make my day to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!
