Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups low carb marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the low carb marinara or pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer briefly.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add pepperoni slices, chopped bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or olives for extra flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- A blend of mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar adds extra cheesy flavor.
- This casserole works well for meal prep.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg