Zucchini Pizza Casserole (Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb)
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Packed with fresh zucchini, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, it’s a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Plus, it’s easy to make and the whole family will love it!
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 4 medium zucchinis (sliced thinly)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional, or substitute with other toppings)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick) and set aside. To remove excess moisture, place the zucchini slices on a paper towel and pat dry.
2. Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. Layer the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the zucchini slices evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture over the zucchini.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, for 6 servings):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success:
- Remove Moisture from Zucchini:
- Zucchini can release a lot of water when cooked, so pat the slices dry with paper towels before layering them in the casserole. This helps avoid a soggy dish.
- Customize Your Toppings:
- You can easily swap the toppings for your favorite pizza ingredients. Try adding mushrooms, olives, or different types of cheese for variety.
- Use a Keto Marinara Sauce:
- Be sure to choose a marinara sauce that’s sugar-free or low in carbs to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Make It Ahead:
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking. It also freezes well for up to a month. Just bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations:
- Meatless Version:
- Skip the sausage and use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to make a vegetarian version of this casserole.
- Chicken or Beef:
- Instead of sausage, you can use ground chicken or beef for a different protein option.
- Spicy Version:
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
Benefits of Zucchini Pizza Casserole:
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With minimal carbs and high in protein and fat, it fits well into a keto or low-carb diet.
- Packed with Vegetables: Zucchini is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health.
- Customizable: This recipe can be tailored to your tastes, making it a great family-friendly dish.
- Easy to Prepare: It’s a one-dish meal that’s quick to assemble and easy to clean up!
Enjoy your Zucchini Pizza Casserole as a delicious, guilt-free pizza alternative! 🍕