Cheesy Low-Carb Pizza Casserole

This Keto Crockpot Pizza Casserole has become my go-to solution for pizza cravings while keeping carbs in check. It delivers all those irresistible layers of seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and melty cheese that satisfy the whole family without derailing your low-carb lifestyle.

The first time I served this to my skeptical teenagers, they requested seconds and never mentioned missing the crust. Now it appears on our monthly rotation, especially on busy weeknights when I need to please everyone without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef: transforms into the hearty base of this casserole and provides satisfying protein. Choose 80/20 for best flavor
• 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce: delivers authentic pizza flavor without added sugars. Look for brands with under 5g carbs per serving
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: creates that stretchy cheese pull we all love. Freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre-packaged
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds depth and saltiness. Opt for freshly grated for best texture and flavor
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: provides the classic pizza topping experience. Choose nitrate-free varieties when possible
• 1 tsp garlic powder: infuses the meat with aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic can be substituted but may burn in slow cooking
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: brings authentic pizza herb profile. A blend with oregano, basil, and thyme works perfectly
• Salt and pepper: balances and enhances all other flavors. Sea salt provides cleaner flavor than table salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. This takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making your casserole soggy.

Create the Base Layer:

Transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot and add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat mixture. The sauce should fully coat all the ground beef.

Add the First Cheese Layer:

Gently fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the meat mixture. This creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the casserole rather than just on top. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.

Top with Final Cheese and Pepperoni:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the meat mixture, creating a blanket of cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern on top, which will become slightly crispy during cooking while infusing the dish with flavor.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases essential heat and moisture and can extend cooking time.

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The marinara sauce is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. I discovered through much trial and error that selecting a quality sugar-free marinara makes all the difference in the final flavor. My family never notices the lack of added sugars, but their taste buds appreciate the rich tomato base that ties all the pizza elements together.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this pizza casserole lies in its adaptability. Just like your favorite pizzeria, you can customize with toppings such as sliced mushrooms, diced green peppers, or black olives. Each addition adds minimal carbs while bringing unique flavors to the dish. For a spicier version, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. For reheating, portion into microwave-safe dishes and heat for 1-2 minutes until piping hot. To maintain the cheesy texture, avoid overheating which can make the cheese tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

While perfectly satisfying on its own, this keto pizza casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. For family members not following keto, offer garlic bread on the side. I often prepare a batch of keto-friendly fathead dough breadsticks for myself so everyone feels they have the complete pizza experience without compromise.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef in this casserole?

Yes, ground turkey works as an excellent substitute for ground beef in this casserole. It will reduce the fat content slightly, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain richness. The cooking process remains the same, and you'll still enjoy the classic pizza flavors with a leaner protein option.

→ How do I know if my marinara sauce is keto-friendly?

Check the nutrition label and ingredients list. Keto-friendly marinara should contain less than 5g of net carbs per 1/4 cup serving and no added sugars. Look for brands specifically labeled as sugar-free or keto-friendly. Avoid sauces with ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, or honey.

→ Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole up to 3 days ahead. Brown the beef and assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the insert in your crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Alternatively, fully cook the casserole, refrigerate, and reheat portions as needed.

→ What can I serve with this pizza casserole?

Complement this casserole with keto-friendly sides like a simple green salad with olive oil dressing, roasted zucchini, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice. For those not strictly following keto, a side of garlic butter zoodles makes an excellent pasta alternative that pairs wonderfully with the pizza flavors.

→ Is there a way to make this dish in the oven instead?

Yes, this casserole adapts well to oven baking. After browning the meat, combine all ingredients in a 9x13 baking dish, reserving half the cheese for topping. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then remove foil, add remaining cheese and pepperoni, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For best texture, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.