Low-Carb Deconstructed Pizza Casserole
Try this Low-Carb Deconstructed Pizza Casserole recipe
Try this Low-Carb Deconstructed Pizza Casserole recipe
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (do not use petite dice)
- 2 tsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste (i didn't us
- 8-12 oz. fresh mushrooms washed and cut into thick slices (i used brown cremini mushrooms.)
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (i used part-skim mozzare
- 15 slices pepperoni cut in half (i used regular peppe but for less fat you can use turkey pepperoni if you prefer)
- 5 links (19.5 oz.) uncooked turkey or pork italian s
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
- Spray an 8 inch x 11 inch glass casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
- Pour the diced tomatoes into a colander placed in the sink and rinse with cold water.
- Let tomatoes drain a minute or two, then spread them out on paper towels to dry (or blot dry with another paper towel on top).
- While tomatoes dry, heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan, squeeze the sausage out of the casing, and cook sausage over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. (I use an old-fashioned potato masher to break the sausage apart).
- While sausage cooks, wash mushrooms, pat dry, and slice into thick slices.
- When the sausage is done make a layer of sausage in the bottom of the casserole dish and top with the drained tomatoes, spreading them out over the top of the sausage.
- Season with dried oregano, salt, and fresh-ground black pepper. (I didn’t use much salt).
- Rinse out the pan if needed, then heat the other 2 tsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the pan is hot add the mushrooms and cook, stirring a few times, until all the liquid is released and the mushrooms are starting to brown.
- Layer the mushrooms over the sausage-tomato mixture.
- Cut pepperoni in half.
- Sprinkle the grated Mozzarella over the top of the casserole and lay the pepperoni pieces on top of the cheese, spacing them evenly so the whole top is covered with pepperoni.
- Bake about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Serve hot.
My Low-Carb Pizza Casserole Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding quick and healthy meals is constantly on my mind. I crave the comforting flavors of pizza, but the carb count in a traditional pie often derails my healthy eating goals. That’s where this deconstructed pizza casserole comes in. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I need a delicious and satisfying dinner that doesn't take hours to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a perfect blend of familiar flavors, presented in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I love how easily I can customize it based on what I have on hand or my family's preferences.
The Sausage Story: I always opt for turkey Italian sausage; it's leaner and still delivers that savory punch I adore. I don't measure it precisely; I just eyeball it – about 5 links. The amount of sausage is up to you, but keep in mind it forms the base of the casserole so a good amount is key to having a substantial meal. Speaking of sausage, the browning process is crucial. The perfectly browned sausage adds so much depth of flavor; I usually use a potato masher to break it up as it cooks, creating little pieces of sausagey goodness throughout the casserole. Trust me, this adds a textural element that takes this dish beyond just a simple pizza-inspired meal.
Mushroom Magic: I'm a big fan of cremini mushrooms, but any mushroom will work beautifully. The key is to ensure they're thoroughly cooked, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a lovely browned edge. This step also adds a nice earthiness that complements the other ingredients. The simple sautéing process is a perfect way to add another layer of flavour without requiring a lot of work or additional ingredients. This mushroom layer sits perfectly above the tomato-sausage base, making it a truly layered experience.
Tomato Tango: I use a can of diced tomatoes, but I always drain them extremely well. This is essential to prevent a watery casserole. Using paper towels to blot away any excess moisture helps achieve the ideal texture. The tomatoes provide a vibrant burst of freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. A few minutes of draining really makes a difference in the overall outcome.
Cheese Please!: A generous layer of mozzarella is the star of the show! I prefer part-skim mozzarella to keep it a little lighter, but you could use full-fat for extra richness if you prefer. The melted mozzarella creates a beautiful, gooey topping that ties all the flavors together. It’s a taste that satisfies all your cheese cravings without being too heavy.
Pepperoni Perfection: To finish off this masterpiece, I add slices of pepperoni. I cut them in half to ensure even distribution. I used regular pepperoni, but there are lots of options for a healthier choice. Turkey pepperoni can really cut down on fat and calories. But honestly, that crisp, salty pepperoni on top truly embodies what makes this casserole so wonderful. A perfect ending to this dish that truly brings out the flavours of pizza in a healthier and more convenient way.
This recipe is a revelation. It’s so simple to make, yet it feels like a restaurant-worthy meal. It's incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization. If I have leftover vegetables, I add them in. Sometimes I’ll sneak in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity within a healthy eating plan.
Beyond the Weeknight: This casserole is also a great option for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect lunch or dinner for several days. It’s also a great option for a potluck, everyone loves pizza! The flavors are crowd-pleasing, and it’s easy to transport. This simple yet satisfying dish elevates simple ingredients into a surprisingly delicious, satisfying, and healthy meal. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little culinary creativity. Give this recipe a try, I am sure you'll love it as much as I do.
