Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
475 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Keto
Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe
Description
Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe blends Italian sausage, pepperoni, cremini mushrooms, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes with a layered mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The preparation begins by browning the sausage, then sautéing onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms to soften and reduce moisture, ensuring a well-textured casserole. The ingredients are layered in a casserole dish, alternating meat, vegetables, and cheeses. Baking melds the flavors while creating a rich, savory dish reminiscent of pizza but with a comforting, baked casserole profile.
The sautéing steps help develop a depth of flavor and reduce the moisture content from the vegetables, preventing sogginess. The combination of three cheeses adds creaminess and a salty tang that complements the robust sausage and pepperoni. This layered casserole works well as a dinner main and pairs nicely with a simple salad or steamed greens.
If you wish to lower the carbohydrate content, consider reducing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper quantities, which contribute some carbs but add important flavor and texture. The recipe yields several servings, making it suitable for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage hot or mild, depending on your personal preference, ground
- ½ onion diced finely
- 6 cloves garlic diced finely
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms cleaned and sliced thin
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 cup pepperoni whatever thin-sliced pepperoni brand you love, sliced
- ½ cup black olive sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 diced tomatoes canned, do not drain
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large pan, cook and crumble ground italian sausage on medium high heat.
- When Italian sausage is browned, remove from pan and set aside. Do not drain or clean out pan.
- Add onions to pan and let soften and brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic to pan and cook down until fragrant and lightly browned, another 3-4 minutes on medium-low. Do not let garlic burn.
- Add peppers and mushrooms to pan and cook to softened and lightly browned.
- Drain off any excess moisture from vegetables (very important!! I often will squeeze them to get any excess water out of the vegetables.)
- Prep a 9x9 casserole dish with coconut oil cooking spray (or your favorite way to prep pans - foil, parchment, butter, lard, cooking spray all work just fine.)
- Layer 1/2 the sausage crumbles onto the bottom of the pan.
- Add a layer of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella (use about 1/3 of each, there will be 3 layers of cheese overall.)
- Add a layer of 1/2 the vegetables.
- Layer some (about 1/2) the pepperonis across the casserole.
- Add a layer of diced tomatoes (and the water they are packed in.)
- Layer the rest of the meat, then another cheese layer, followed by the rest of the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Finish the casserole with a top layer of cheese and pepperonis, garnish with olives.
- Cover casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil and cook until cheese is browned, about another 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- To reduce carbohydrates, decrease or omit the onion, garlic, and bell pepper while noting this changes the flavor profile.
- Sauté vegetables thoroughly and drain excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
- Prepare the casserole layers as described to ensure even distribution of ingredients and cheeses.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 475 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 475kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 20g | 118% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 84mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1194mg | 50% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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