Keto Pizza Casserole
All the flavor of pepperoni pizza in a hearty, crust-free bake — seasoned ground beef, marinara, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni. At just 5.3g net carbs per serving and ready in 45 minutes, it's the low-carb comfort dinner you'll crave on repeat.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 6. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This keto pizza casserole packs everything you love about a loaded pepperoni pie — seasoned beef, tangy marinara, and bubbly mozzarella crowned with crispy pepperoni — into a crust-free bake. It's a fast, family-friendly weeknight dinner with only 5.3g net carbs per serving.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce (no added sugar, about 4g net carbs per 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni (about 36 slices)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion, breaking it up as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off excess grease. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Reduce heat to low and stir in the marinara sauce and cream cheese until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy meat sauce. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan.
- 4
Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1.5 cups mozzarella, then arrange the pepperoni slices in an even layer over the cheese.
- 5
Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden and the pepperoni edges are crisp. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & notes
- Check your marinara label — many jarred sauces hide sugar. Look for one under 4g net carbs per 1/2 cup, or use a no-sugar-added Rao's-style sauce to keep the count accurate.
- Make it your own with classic pizza toppings: sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, or Italian sausage in place of some beef. Add veggies sparingly to keep net carbs in check.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven or the microwave until hot throughout.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto pizza casserole?
- Each serving has just 5.3g net carbs (7.5g total carbs minus 2.2g fiber), along with 512 calories, 34g protein, and 38g fat. This recipe makes 6 hearty servings, making it an easy fit for a ketogenic diet.
- Can I make keto pizza casserole ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble the casserole completely through the pepperoni layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 8-10 extra minutes to the bake time since it starts cold, and bake until hot and bubbly throughout.
- What can I serve with keto pizza casserole?
- It's a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky sautéed zucchini, or roasted broccoli. For a low-carb pizza-night feel, serve with almond flour breadsticks or fathead dough garlic bread.
