Pizza night feels a little easier when there is no dough to roll, no crust to prepare, and no need to order takeout. This keto pizza casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce in one comforting baking dish.

The trick is cooking the meat and vegetables before assembling everything. It keeps the casserole flavorful without leaving excess liquid underneath the cheese.

Ready in about 40 minutes, this low-carb dinner is filling enough for the whole family and works well for preparing lunches ahead of time.

Think of it as your favorite meat-loaded pizza, served hot from a casserole dish with all the familiar toppings and none of the traditional bread crust.

What Makes This Keto Pizza Casserole So Good?

The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the casserole a hearty base. Beef adds richness, while sausage brings garlic, herbs, and a little extra seasoning.

Mozzarella creates the stretchy cheese layer, and pepperoni adds slightly crisp edges during baking. A modest amount of pizza sauce brings everything together without making the dish watery.

Unlike a regular pizza, this recipe does not rely on a crust. The filling holds together as a cheesy, savory casserole that can be served directly from the baking dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound bulk Italian sausage
• 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup no-added-sugar pizza sauce
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, for greasing the dish

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef: Choose 90% lean beef to reduce excess grease. Drain after browning if necessary.
• Italian sausage: Mild sausage is family-friendly, while hot Italian sausage adds a little heat.
• Mozzarella: Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts well without releasing too much liquid.
• Pepperoni: Check the package label for added sugar and carbohydrates.
• Pizza sauce: Choose a no-added-sugar variety and compare nutrition labels, since tomatoes naturally contain carbohydrates.
• Vegetables: Fresh mushrooms and bell peppers provide texture. Cook them first to remove excess moisture.

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños
• ¼ cup cooked bacon pieces
• Extra Parmesan
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving

• Fresh basil leaves
• Chopped parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Warm low-sugar marinara sauce
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted broccoli or zucchini

Best Cheese for Keto Pizza Casserole

Low-moisture mozzarella is the best starting point because it melts smoothly and creates that familiar pizza-style cheese pull.

Whole-milk mozzarella gives a richer finish, while part-skim mozzarella is a slightly lighter alternative.

A little Parmesan adds sharper flavor and helps the top develop golden spots. Provolone is another good option if you want a stronger cheese flavor.

Avoid fresh mozzarella packed in water unless you drain it thoroughly. Too much moisture can leave the casserole watery.

How to Make Keto Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square or similar 2-quart baking dish.

Dice the onion and bell pepper, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Measure the sauce, cheese, and seasonings before cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage.

Cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.

Add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and most of their released moisture evaporates.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes. The filling should be thick rather than watery.

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange the pepperoni slices across the top and finish with Parmesan.

Bake uncovered for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

One practical detail makes a noticeable difference here: the filling should look fairly thick before it goes into the oven. If liquid is collecting at the bottom of the skillet, give the mixture another minute or two to cook down. Cheese melts beautifully over a thick filling, but it cannot fix excess water underneath. A short resting time also helps each serving hold together instead of spreading across the plate.

My Pro Tips & Kitchen Notes

• Drain excess grease after browning. Too much fat can collect beneath the cheese and make the casserole oily.
• Cook the mushrooms before baking. Mushrooms release water as they heat, so sautéing them first prevents a watery filling.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella. It creates a smoother melted topping without adding unnecessary liquid.
• Keep pepperoni on the surface. Exposed slices develop lightly crisp edges in the oven.
• Let the casserole rest. Five minutes allows the hot filling and cheese to settle, making serving easier.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat and vegetable filling up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate it in an airtight container.

When ready to cook, transfer the filling to the baking dish, add the cheese and pepperoni, and bake until thoroughly heated and bubbling.

For weekly meal prep, divide the finished casserole into individual containers and refrigerate promptly.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air fryer: Assemble smaller portions in air-fryer-safe dishes. Cook at 350°F (177°C) until the cheese melts and the filling is hot.

Stovetop: Keep the cooked meat mixture in an oven-safe skillet, add cheese and pepperoni, then cover over low heat until melted. The pepperoni will remain softer.

Slow cooker: Brown and drain the meat first. Add the cooked filling and sauce to the slow cooker, then heat on low. Add cheese and pepperoni near the end and cover until melted.

The oven method gives the best golden topping.

Recipe Variations

• Supreme pizza casserole: Add olives, extra bell peppers, mushrooms, and cooked sausage.
• Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage, jalapeños, and red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable-packed version: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower.
• Chicken pizza casserole: Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken.
• Kid-friendly version: Use mild sausage and leave out spicy toppings.

Ingredient Swaps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding raw ground meat: Always brown the meat before assembling the casserole so it cooks evenly and excess fat can be drained.

Using watery vegetables: Cook mushrooms and other moisture-rich vegetables first.

Adding too much sauce: Excess tomato sauce can make the filling loose. Start with the measured amount.

Overbaking: Cheese may separate and become oily if left in the oven too long.

Serving immediately: A short rest improves the texture and makes portions easier to lift.

What to Serve With

A crisp Caesar-style salad without croutons pairs nicely with the rich meat and cheese.

Roasted broccoli, garlic mushrooms, sautéed zucchini, or cucumber salad also make excellent low-carb sides.

For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea.

If you enjoy easy low-carb Italian meals, try our keto pepperoni mozzarella

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Let the casserole cool before packaging.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven until thoroughly heated. Individual portions can also be microwaved.

The cheese may release a little moisture after freezing, but the flavor should remain enjoyable.

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

Estimated Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on six servings:

Frequently Asked Questions

Cook’s Tip

For a more pizza-like finish, place most of the pepperoni above the mozzarella rather than mixing it into the filling. Direct oven heat helps the exposed edges become lightly crisp while the cheese melts underneath.

Conclusion

Keto pizza casserole brings together the best parts of a meat-loaded pizza in a simple, crustless dinner. Savory ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal without the extra preparation of homemade pizza dough.

It is a practical choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or preparing individual lunches ahead of time. Add your favorite low-carb toppings, adjust the seasoning, and serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Cook the filling until thick, keep the sauce balanced, and give the finished casserole a few minutes to rest. Those small steps help every serving come out flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying.

Keto Pizza Casserole

A hearty crustless pizza casserole made with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, vegetables, and low-sugar pizza sauce. This easy keto-friendly dinner is cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course dinner, main course

Cuisine American, Italian-inspired

Servings 6

Calories 440 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 8-inch square or similar 2-quart baking dish
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound bulk Italian sausage
• 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup no-added-sugar pizza sauce
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil for greasing

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square or similar 2-quart baking dish.

  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage.

  Cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.

  Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and most moisture has evaporated.

  Stir in pizza sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish.

  Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the filling. Arrange pepperoni on top and finish with Parmesan.

  Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

  Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Keyword crustless pizza casserole, keto ground beef casserole, keto pizza casserole, low carb pizza casserole