Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole
Craving all the delicious flavors of a supreme pizza without the carb-heavy crust? This Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, rich pizza sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese in one irresistible dish.
It has everything you love about a loaded supreme pizza, but instead of a traditional crust, the ingredients bake together into a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or meal prep.
The best part? You can customize every bite with your favorite pizza toppings. Prefer extra pepperoni? Add more! Love mushrooms and peppers? Pile them on. Want an extra-cheesy finish? A little additional mozzarella makes this casserole even more satisfying.
Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle or simply looking for a comforting family dinner, this pizza-inspired casserole is an easy way to enjoy those classic pizzeria flavors at home.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the supreme pizza flavors: Ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and melted cheese come together beautifully.
Low-carb friendly: Skip the traditional pizza crust and enjoy a satisfying alternative.
Family-friendly comfort food: Even pizza lovers who aren’t following a low-carb diet can enjoy this cheesy dinner.
Easy weeknight meal: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make dinner less stressful.
Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate individual portions, and reheat when needed.
Customizable toppings: Swap vegetables, adjust the meats, or use your favorite cheese blend.
One-dish convenience: Everything bakes together in a single casserole dish.
Naturally gluten-free when made with suitable ingredients: Check your sausage, pepperoni, seasonings, and pizza sauce labels.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Cooking Method: Stovetop and oven
Diet: Low Carb, Keto-Friendly
Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pizza Casserole
1 pound ground beef – Provides a hearty, savory base.
½ pound Italian sausage – Adds classic pizza-shop flavor. Use mild or hot sausage according to your preference.
1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce – Choose a sauce with no added sugar or minimal carbohydrates.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – Creates that stretchy, cheesy pizza topping.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds extra richness and flavor.
20–24 slices pepperoni – Gives the casserole its familiar supreme pizza taste.
1 medium green bell pepper, diced – Adds color and a little crunch.
½ medium red bell pepper, diced – Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
1 cup sliced mushrooms – Adds an earthy, savory flavor.
¼ cup sliced black olives – Optional, but delicious for a traditional supreme pizza touch.
¼ cup diced onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings together the pizza-inspired flavors.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds another layer of seasoning.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a little heat.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Season carefully because sausage, pepperoni, and cheese already contain salt.
1 teaspoon olive oil, if needed – For sautéing the vegetables.
Optional Toppings
Extra shredded mozzarella
Additional pepperoni
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
A sprinkle of dried oregano
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient tip: The biggest difference between a low-carb casserole and a higher-carb version often comes down to the pizza sauce. Compare labels and choose one with minimal added sugar.
🍳 Equipment Needed
9 × 13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander or spoon for draining excess grease
Oven mitts
👩🍳 How to Make Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare your vegetables by dicing the bell peppers and onion, slicing the mushrooms, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready before cooking makes assembly quick and easy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Italian Sausage
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease as needed. Leave a small amount in the pan for flavor, but avoid leaving the meat mixture overly greasy.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
For food safety, ground beef and pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced green and red bell peppers, onion, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the mushrooms release some of their moisture.
This step helps prevent excess liquid from collecting in the casserole as it bakes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Taste the mixture before adding salt, since the other ingredients may already provide enough.
Step 4: Add the Pizza Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir the pizza sauce into the meat and vegetable mixture.
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to blend and helps the filling thicken slightly.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all the cheddar cheese over the filling.
Scatter the sliced black olives over the top, if using.
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the casserole. You can reserve a few slices for the very top if you want a more classic pizza appearance.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over everything.
For an extra-cheesy casserole, add a little more mozzarella or Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden around the edges.
If you’d like a more deeply browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely, as cheese and pepperoni can brown quickly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This short resting period helps the filling settle and makes portions easier to serve.
Add fresh basil, Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy all the cheesy, savory flavors of supreme pizza without the traditional crust!
💡 Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
1. Choose a Low-Sugar Pizza Sauce
Some pizza sauces contain added sugar or more carbohydrates than expected. Check the nutrition label and compare serving sizes before buying.
2. Drain the Meat Well
Ground beef and Italian sausage can release quite a bit of fat. Draining excess grease helps the casserole stay rich without becoming oily.
3. Cook Moist Vegetables First
Mushrooms and peppers release water as they cook. Sautéing them before baking helps keep the finished casserole from becoming watery.
4. Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking ingredients.
5. Don’t Overload the Sauce
Too much pizza sauce can make the filling loose. Start with the recommended amount and add a little more only if needed.
6. Let It Rest Before Cutting
Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest allows the cheese and filling to settle, making serving easier.
7. Make It Your Own
The beauty of supreme pizza casserole is its flexibility. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the seasonings, and use whatever combination of pizza meats and vegetables you enjoy.
🍕 Delicious Variations
1. Extra-Meaty Supreme Pizza Casserole
For an especially hearty version, add another ¼ pound of Italian sausage or extra pepperoni. Drain excess grease carefully so the casserole doesn’t become oily.
2. Spicy Supreme Pizza Casserole
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes. A little diced jalapeño also works well if you enjoy a spicy kick.
3. Three-Cheese Pizza Casserole
Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for a deeper cheese flavor. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top during the final few minutes of baking.
4. Chicken Pizza Casserole
Replace the ground beef and sausage with cooked, shredded chicken. Add extra pepperoni if desired, and make sure the chicken is reheated thoroughly during baking.
5. Vegetarian Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Skip the meat and increase the mushrooms, peppers, olives, and onion. You can also add diced zucchini, spinach, or extra cheese. For a firmer casserole, sauté watery vegetables until most of their moisture evaporates.
6. Bacon Supreme Pizza Casserole
Add a few slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor. Use bacon as a topping or stir it into the filling before baking.
7. Crustless Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Keep the recipe simple by using ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Omit the extra vegetables or use only your favorites for an easy crustless pizza dinner.
8. Extra-Veggie Version
Add small amounts of diced zucchini, spinach, or additional mushrooms. Sauté vegetables first and drain excess moisture to preserve the casserole’s texture.
🥗 What to Serve With Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole
This casserole is filling on its own, but a simple side dish can make dinner feel even more complete.
Low-Carb Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan broccoli: Roasted broccoli adds a savory, slightly crisp contrast.
Caesar salad: Crisp lettuce and Parmesan balance the richness of the cheese.
Roasted zucchini: A simple vegetable side that complements the pizza seasonings.
Cucumber salad: Fresh cucumber offers a cool, refreshing contrast.
Cauliflower rice: A mild side that works well if you want something extra with the casserole.
Garlic butter green beans: A quick, flavorful vegetable option.
For a Casual Family Dinner
Serve with a green salad, sparkling water, and a few extra pizza toppings on the table so everyone can customize their portions.
If you’re serving guests who aren’t following a low-carb diet, garlic bread or regular breadsticks can be offered separately.
🥡 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator
Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, divide the cooled casserole into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
For easier meal prep, freeze portions separately so you can reheat only what you need.
Reheating in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place a portion in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Heat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Larger portions may take longer than individual servings.
Reheating in the Microwave
Place an individual serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely.
Heat in 30–60-second intervals until steaming hot throughout, stirring or rotating if necessary.
The cheese may soften rather than crisp, but the casserole will still be delicious.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Absolutely! Cook the meat and vegetables, stir in the sauce, and refrigerate the filling in a covered container. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the filling to the dish, add the cheese and pepperoni, and bake until hot and bubbly.
If assembling the full casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it promptly and use it within 24 hours for best texture. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
📊 Approximate Nutrition Information
The following estimates are for one serving, assuming 8 servings per casserole and the ingredient quantities listed above.
Calories: 390–460
Protein: 25–32 g
Fat: 28–36 g
Total Carbohydrates: 7–10 g
Fiber: 1–2 g
Net Carbohydrates: 5–8 g
Nutrition values are estimates, not laboratory measurements. Actual values depend on the brands of sausage, pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce you use, as well as how much grease is drained.
For the most accurate count, calculate the nutrition using your exact ingredients and divide by the number of portions served.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole keto-friendly?
It can fit into many low-carb and ketogenic eating plans. Use a low-sugar pizza sauce, check the labels on processed meats, and calculate the carbohydrates in your own ingredients to determine whether a serving fits your daily target.
Can I make this casserole without Italian sausage?
Yes! Use 1½ pounds of ground beef instead, or replace the sausage with ground turkey or chicken. Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and a little extra black pepper to maintain the savory flavor.
Do I have to use mushrooms?
Not at all. Leave them out or replace them with extra bell peppers, olives, spinach, or another low-carb vegetable you enjoy.
How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?
Sauté the vegetables before assembling the dish, drain excess grease from the meat, and avoid adding too much sauce. Mushrooms and zucchini especially benefit from cooking before baking.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend can all work. Mozzarella is especially good for its classic pizza-style melt.
Can I prepare this in a smaller baking dish?
Yes. An 8 × 8-inch dish can work if you reduce the ingredient quantities or use a deeper casserole dish with enough room for the filling. A deeper dish may require additional baking time, so check that the center is fully hot before serving.
Can I make this casserole without pepperoni?
Definitely. Leave it out, or use cooked bacon, diced ham, or additional ground meat. Check the nutrition labels of any substitutes if you’re tracking carbohydrates.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use pizza sauce, sausage, pepperoni, and seasonings labeled gluten-free, and check ingredient lists for possible gluten-containing additives or cross-contact warnings.
How many carbs are in each serving?
With the ingredient quantities listed, one of eight servings may contain approximately 5–8 grams of net carbohydrates. The exact amount depends heavily on the pizza sauce and the brands of meat and cheese.
Can I add cauliflower to the casserole?
Yes. Use finely chopped, lightly cooked cauliflower and drain it well before adding it to the filling. This adds bulk and texture, though it will change the nutrition and overall taste.
Can I make it in an air fryer?
You can prepare a smaller batch in an air-fryer-safe dish that fits comfortably inside your basket. Cook until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is bubbly, checking frequently because air fryers vary in temperature and cooking speed.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Supreme Pizza Casserole is a delicious way to bring the flavors of a loaded pizza to the dinner table without the traditional crust. With seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, colorful vegetables, tangy pizza sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, every serving is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, customizable enough for picky eaters, and practical enough to prepare ahead for busy days. Keep the ingredients simple or pile on your favorite toppings—either way, this casserole makes low-carb comfort food feel like a treat.
