Description
This low carb pizza casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of ground turkey, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese with fresh vegetables and classic pizza toppings. Baked to perfection, it’s a perfect meal for those seeking a satisfying low-carb alternative to traditional pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 200 g)
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the turkey mixture evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, black olives, and pepperoni slices.
- Add Remaining Layers: Pour the remaining turkey mixture over the first cheese layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and black olives.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
