Pizza Casserole (easy, 5 ingredients!)

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this pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe, sometimes called a pizza bake, is one of the easiest crustless pizza options you can make. A generous layer of pepperoni, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella tops roasted cauliflower and cooks in less than an hour, prep included!it is similar to my Crustless Pizza Recipe In a cast iron skillet, but a casserole is easy.

At Wholesome Yum house, we absolutely Love Pizza night. In fact, we eat dinner in some form almost every week! Of course, that’s not to say that keto pizza casseroles have actually been replacing our real pizza all the time.When we really want a real pizza – with crust and everything – my Tomato Pizza Recipe Definitely our favorite.We alternate that with one Cauliflower Pizza, Portobello Mushroom Pizzaand pizza.

What is a Pizza Casserole?

Pizza Casserole is a one-dish dish filled with your favorite pizza toppings! A variation of this casserole replaces the usual crust with cooked pasta or vegetables.

This recipe uses roasted cauliflower in place of the rind – like Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese and Cauliflower Potato Saladit’s the perfect starch substitute!

Ingredients and Substitutes

This section explains how to choose the best toppings for a pizza casserole, the role each topping will play in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.

• cauliflower – I use cauliflower as a healthy base in this tomato pizza casserole recipe. It works well because it has a neutral flavor, but you can get other base ideas in the “Recipe Variations” section below. Use fresh or frozen cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. cauliflower rice Also works!
• olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil works well for this Italian recipe, but any neutral cooking oil you like can be used. Avoid using butter as it will burn before the cauliflower is cooked.
• italian seasoning – I prefer to do it myself Homemade Italian Seasoningbut a store-bought seasoning mix works well.
• sea ​​salt and black pepper – Used to season cauliflower.
• Italian Tomato Sauce – Any kind of marinara will do, but I always use the no-sugar or low-sugar variety, be it store bought or this one Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce Recipe. You can also use Sugar Free Pizza Sauce.
• mozzarella cheese – Chop it yourself or pre-shred it to save time.
• Pepperoni Slices – Regular pepperoni or turkey pepperoni work well. You can also make other pizza toppings on top of or inside the casserole – see the recipe variations section below for ideas.

How to Make a Pizza Casserole

This section shows how to make a baked pizza casserole, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.

1. toss. in a casserole, toss cauliflower with olive oil, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Single layer arrangement.

Tip: Baking on a sheet pan works too!

To save time doing the dishes, I used the same baking sheet that I later used for the casserole, but the cauliflower roasts faster if you use a baking sheet.

2. bake. Cook cauliflower until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through.

3. optimal. Pour marinara sauce evenly over cauliflower mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with pepperoni.
4. bake. Return the pepperoni pizza casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the pizza casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

There’s more than one way to make this delicious pizza. Try these variations!

• Crockpot Pizza Casserole – Layer the cauliflower florets in the slow cooker and pour over the marinara sauce. Cook on high for 2 hours. Add the cheese and pepperoni slices during the last 15 minutes.
• Zucchini Pizza Casserole – Use 1 lb sliced ​​zucchini instead of cauliflower. Brush the slices with oil and season with salt, then roast on a skillet at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Pat dry, transfer to a casserole dish, and follow the rest of the recipe.
• Pizza Pasta Casserole – Swap the cauliflower with the cooked pasta of your choice (I use Keto Egg Noodles). Transfer pasta with sauce to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and top with shredded cheese and pepperoni slices. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
• use other vegetables – Swap some (or all) of the cauliflower for broccoli, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, garlic or black olives. Cut into even pieces (so they bake at the same rate) and fold them into the cauliflower (the bottom layer of the pizza bake), or use them as a topping instead of pepperoni.
• try other meats – I made a pepperoni pizza casserole because it’s the most popular flavor, but you can also make this dish with Canadian bacon, cooked ground beef (or ground turkey), Italian sausage, chicken wireor baked bacon.
• add toppings – I used fresh parsley as a garnish, but you could also try fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese.

storage instructions

• shop: Store leftover cauliflower pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep: Assemble ahead, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Or, freeze the assembled casserole and bake it straight from the freezer. This method takes longer but allows for longer term storage. It will last at least 3 months frozen.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave, or the entire casserole in a warm oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• freeze: Wrap completely cooled Keto Pizza Casserole portion in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Pizza Casserole

This easy pizza casserole recipe stands on its own, but here are some extras to go with it if the appetite is working up or if you have guests:

More Easy Casserole Recipes

Casseroles are one of my most common dinner dishes. Cooking a meal is faster and easier when you only have one thing to do! Here are more of my favorites:

Pizza Casserole (easy, 5 ingredients!)

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe is an easy dinner that includes tomato sauce, melted cheese, and zesty pepperoni. 10 minutes to prepare!

Prepare: 10 minute

chef: 35 minute

all: 45 minute

Serving Size: 6 (adjust according to recipe)

recipe video

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raw material

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instruct

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1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. in 9 x 13 inches (23 x 33 cm) white Stoneware Casserole, toss cauliflower with olive oil, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Arranged evenly in a single layer.

3. Roasting Cauliflower in the Oven Approx. 25 minutes, toss halfway through, until softened and slightly golden. (Turn on the oven afterwards – you’ll need to use it again.)

4. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top.

5. Return the casserole to the oven 10-15 minutesuntil the cheese is melted and golden brown.

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recipe notes

Serving Size: 1 cup, or 1/6 of an entire casserole

nutrient content

Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.

calories 144.4

fat 10.3 grams

protein 10.9 grams

total carbohydrates 1.7 grams

net carbs 1.4 grams

fiber 0.3 grams

sugar 0.4 grams

Nutrition facts are provided politely. Questions about calculations or why are you getting different results?Please see our nutrition policy.

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