This keto pepperoni pizza casserole delivers all the bold, cheesy, savory flavors of classic pizza without the carbs. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting, filling, and low-carb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and easy to customize with your favorite keto-friendly toppings. Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup simple and leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, halal beef sausage, or a mix of both
1 cup low-carb marinara sauce with no added sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced halal beef pepperoni
1/2 cup optional toppings such as sliced olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or halal sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat. Add the optional toppings in an even layer. Top with the remaining cheese and finish by placing the sliced halal beef pepperoni evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. Add crushed red pepper for heat, or mix in cooked zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables. For extra richness, stir a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the meat mixture before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well either baked or unbaked. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use a low-carb pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs.
How do I keep the casserole from becoming greasy?
Draining the cooked meat thoroughly before assembling helps reduce excess grease.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor may change slightly.
What keto toppings work best?
Olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and onions are all excellent keto-friendly options.
Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, using only ground beef works perfectly and still delivers great flavor.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and stays flavorful for several days.
Can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, spicy halal beef sausage, or a pinch of cayenne to increase the heat.
Conclusion
Keto pepperoni pizza casserole is a satisfying, low-carb comfort dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning meals for the week, this recipe brings pizza-night flavor to your table in a simple, keto-friendly way.
This Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a low-carb, high-protein comfort dish that delivers all the classic flavors of pizza—melty cheese, savory meat, and zesty marinara—without the carbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, halal beef sausage, or a mix of both
1 cup low-carb marinara sauce (no added sugar)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced halal beef pepperoni
1/2 cup optional toppings (e.g., sliced olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Transfer the meat mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Add optional toppings in an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheese.
Top with sliced halal beef pepperoni.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Drain meat well to prevent a greasy casserole.
Add chili flakes or spicy sausage for heat.
Stir in cream cheese to make the filling extra rich.
Can be made ahead and stored unbaked in the fridge up to 1 day.
