This Low Carb Pizza Casserole delivers classic pizza flavor without a traditional crust. Made with seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, low-sugar pizza sauce, bell peppers, mozzarella, and pepperoni, it bakes into a bubbly, cheesy dinner that is easy to prepare on busy weeknights. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying family meal.
Quick facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Course: Dinner, main course
- Cooking Method: Oven-baked
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, mozzarella, cream cheese, pepperoni
- Diet: Low-carb; carbohydrate content depends on the pizza sauce and toppings
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Wraps
- Blend until completely smooth: Large cottage cheese curds can create uneven spots in the finished wrap.
- Use parchment paper: It makes removing the baked wrap much easier. Ensure the parchment is suitable for your oven temperature.
- Spread the batter evenly: A uniform layer helps the wrap bake at a consistent rate.
- Watch the edges: Thin edges may brown faster than the center, so check the wrap near the end of the baking time.
- Cool before peeling: The wrap becomes easier to handle as it cools and sets.
- Keep fillings moderate: Too much filling can cause the wrap to split, especially when rolled tightly.
- Test flexibility before filling: If your wrap feels delicate, use it folded rather than tightly rolled.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a cheesy, crustless pizza-inspired casserole.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers, any color
- ¼ cup sliced black olives, optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
- Chopped mushrooms or spinach, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground beef: Lean ground beef provides a hearty base without leaving too much grease in the casserole. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be different.
Pepperoni: Regular pepperoni gives the casserole its familiar pizza flavor. Use turkey or beef pepperoni if preferred, and check the label if you are monitoring carbohydrates or sodium.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the cooked beef and sauce. Let it sit at room temperature briefly before cooking, or soften it gently in the microwave.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the casserole a classic cheesy topping. Provolone or a little cheddar can be mixed in for extra flavor.
Low-sugar pizza sauce: Choose a sauce with little or no added sugar and check the nutrition label. Different brands vary in carbohydrate content. Marinara can work as a substitute, but its ingredients and sugar content should also be checked.
Bell peppers: Red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers all work well. Dice them evenly so they distribute throughout the casserole.
Black olives: These are optional but add a salty, savory pizza topping flavor. Leave them out if your family prefers a simpler casserole.
Optional vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, onions, or zucchini can add variety. Sauté vegetables that release a lot of moisture before adding them to the casserole.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish to help prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
Drain off the excess grease thoroughly. This step helps prevent an oily layer from forming on top of the casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Beef Mixture
Reduce the heat to low or remove the skillet from the burner. Add the softened cream cheese and pizza sauce to the cooked beef. Stir until the cream cheese is mostly incorporated and the mixture looks creamy and evenly coated.
If the cream cheese is still very firm, stir gently over low heat for a short time until it softens into the sauce. Avoid letting the mixture boil vigorously.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the diced bell peppers over the top, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Add the optional black olives, mushrooms, or spinach, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning if using.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Place the baking sheet on the center rack and bake for 30–35 minutes. The surface should look set and lightly golden, with no visibly wet areas in the center.
Ovens vary, so begin checking toward the end of the suggested baking time. If the center still looks wet or the wrap is too fragile to lift, bake for a few additional minutes while watching the edges closely.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Remove the tray from the oven and leave the wrap on the baking sheet until completely cool. Cooling helps it firm up and makes it easier to peel from the parchment.
Once cool, gently loosen one edge and peel the wrap away from the paper. If it sticks or tears, allow more cooling time before trying again.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the casserole on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges are bubbling.
The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the temperature of the ingredients. If the topping needs more color, broil for up to 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the melted cheese and creamy filling a chance to settle slightly, making portions easier to lift.
Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
- Drain the beef well: Excess grease can make the finished casserole oily.
- Soften the cream cheese: This makes it easier to combine with the sauce and meat.
- Choose a thick pizza sauce: A watery sauce can make the filling loose. Check the consistency before assembling.
- Sauté moisture-rich vegetables: Mushrooms and zucchini can release water while baking, so cook them briefly first.
- Spread the layers evenly: An even base and topping help each serving contain a good balance of beef, sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
- Watch the broiler carefully: Cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- Rest before cutting: Five minutes of resting helps the casserole hold together better when served.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving too much grease in the beef: Excess fat can pool around the cheese. Drain the beef thoroughly before adding the cream cheese and sauce.
Using cold, firm cream cheese: It can leave lumps in the meat mixture. Soften it before stirring it in.
Adding watery vegetables without preparation: Fresh mushrooms and zucchini can release liquid. Sauté them first and drain off any excess moisture.
Using too much pizza sauce: More sauce is not always better. Too much liquid can make the casserole loose, so measure the listed amount and choose a thick sauce.
Overbaking the cheese: Excessive baking can dry the edges and burn the topping. Start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Serving immediately from the oven: The cheese and sauce will be very hot and the layers may slide apart. Let the casserole rest briefly before portioning.
Easy Variations
- Spicy Pizza Casserole: Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture and use spicy pepperoni or sliced jalapeños.
- Turkey Pizza Casserole: Substitute lean ground turkey for the beef. Brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.
- Supreme Pizza Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, black olives, and a small amount of onion.
- Extra-Cheesy Version: Mix a little provolone or cheddar into the mozzarella topping.
- Spinach and Mushroom Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms and chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
- Chicken Alfredo Pizza Bake: Use cooked shredded chicken and Alfredo sauce instead of the ground beef and pizza sauce. Add mozzarella and broccoli for a creamy variation. This version will have a different nutritional profile.
Serving suggestions
This casserole is rich and cheesy, so fresh vegetables and lighter sides make a good pairing.
- Fresh green salad: Toss mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes with a simple vinaigrette.
- Roasted broccoli: Serve with oven-roasted broccoli seasoned with garlic and black pepper.
- Cauliflower rice: Add a mild vegetable side that complements the tomato and cheese flavors.
- Steamed vegetables: Green beans or broccoli balance the richness of the casserole.
- Cucumber salad: A crisp cucumber side provides a refreshing contrast.
- Meal-prep lunch: Pack a portion with vegetables in a separate container for an easy next-day meal.
For another cheesy, protein-rich dinner, try this Easy Low Carb Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole. You might also enjoy this Easy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl for another pizza-inspired meal without a traditional crust.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool, then refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store for 3–4 days.
- Reheating in the oven: Place a portion in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. A small portion may take around 10–15 minutes, while larger portions may need longer.
- Reheating in the microwave: Place an individual serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, checking that the center is thoroughly hot.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for about 1–2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The cream cheese and mozzarella may change texture slightly after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make low-carb pizza casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can brown the beef and assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake until hot and bubbling. Because the dish starts cold, it may need extra baking time. Check the center before serving.
How do I store leftover pizza casserole?
Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They should keep for 3–4 days when refrigerated properly.
Is this pizza casserole keto-friendly?
It may fit some low-carb or ketogenic meal plans, but the exact carbohydrate content depends on the pizza sauce, pepperoni, cream cheese, and serving size. Check product labels and calculate nutrition using your exact ingredients if you are tracking net carbs.
Can I make this casserole without pepperoni?
Yes. Leave the pepperoni out or replace it with turkey pepperoni, cooked sausage, or extra vegetables. The flavor and nutritional values will change with the substitution.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well as a substitute. Cook it fully, remove excess liquid, and then mix it with the cream cheese and pizza sauce.
Why is my pizza casserole watery?
Excess grease, watery pizza sauce, or vegetables that release moisture can cause a loose casserole. Drain the beef, use a thick sauce, and sauté mushrooms or zucchini before adding them.
Can I freeze low-carb pizza casserole?
Yes. Cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. For best quality, use within 1–2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
- Easy Low Carb Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole — a comforting casserole with ground turkey and zucchini.
- Easy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl — a quick pizza-inspired bowl.
- High-Protein Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole — a creamy chicken dinner with vegetables.
- High-Protein Chicken Parmesan Bowl — a convenient chicken dinner with Italian-inspired flavors.
- High-Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice — a flavorful weeknight meal with a creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Low Carb Pizza Casserole is an easy way to enjoy the familiar flavors of pizza in a warm, cheesy dinner without making a traditional crust. Ground beef, cream cheese, pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and colorful vegetables create satisfying layers with very little hands-on work. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, and save the leftovers for another easy meal.
