Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This pizza casserole brings all the classic flavors of your favorite pizza into a comforting baked dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.)
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (Choose turkey pepperoni for a lighter version.)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice (Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice can be used.)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Reserve half for topping.)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (Choose a low-sugar variety for a healthier option.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Adjust to taste.)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Step 3: Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the cauliflower rice and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine.
5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture before baking.
• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Using fresh cauliflower rice gives a softer texture, while frozen maintains a bit more bite.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can substitute regular cooked rice, but the texture and nutritional content will differ. Cauliflower rice keeps it lower in carbs and calories.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free marinara sauce and check that your pepperoni contains no gluten additives.

Pizza Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 696 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Pizza Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese all baked together in a savory marinara sauce. It’s a lighter twist on classic pizza flavors, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (turkey pepperoni recommended for a lighter version)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve half for topping)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (choose a low-sugar variety)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain Fat and Add Seasonings: Drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the dish lean. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse the beef with rich Italian flavors.
4. Add Cauliflower Rice and Cheese: Mix in the cauliflower rice and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, combining everything thoroughly to create a hearty filling.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish, then top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices, preparing it for baking.
6. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to let it set before serving. Enjoy your delicious pizza casserole warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and turkey pepperoni to reduce fat content.
• You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice depending on availability and convenience.
• Choose a low-sugar marinara sauce to keep the dish healthier.
• Feel free to adjust Italian seasoning and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
• This casserole can be reheated well, making it great for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pizza casserole, cauliflower rice casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, Italian casserole, low sugar casserole