Keto Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a low-carb pizza substitute without compromising taste. This meal has a light and healthy foundation because it utilizes shredded zucchini as the base instead of a thick crust. It has layers of flavorful ground beef or sausage, keto pizza sauce, and lots of melted mozzarella for that traditional cheesy taste. This zucchini pizza casserole contains the taste of traditional pizza but is healthier, with Italian herbs and pepperoni on top. Anyone searching for a lighter meal choice, low-carb eaters, or keto dieters will love this recipe. It’s simple to prepare. We can customize it with your own toppings. These casserole slices warm up well, so they are perfect for meal planning. You can pack leftovers for lunch or serve them for a family meal. Without the guilt of carbohydrates, every bite is filling, tasty, and substantial.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb
- Course: Main Dish
EQUIPMENT:
- Knife
- Mixing vessel
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Cheese grater
- Chopping board
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup keto pizza sauce
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices
INGREDIENT NOTES:
ZUCCHINI:
- The centerpiece of this recipe is zucchini, which takes the place of a typical crust that is high in carbohydrates. In addition to offering fiber and nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, it is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates.
SALT:
- Salt is necessary to extract the extra moisture from zucchini. The base stays solid, and the casserole doesn’t get too wet by doing this.
EGGS:
- The eggs serve as a binder, keeping everything together as the zucchini crust bakes. They also provide structure and protein to keep the base from crumbling when cut.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Parmesan gives the zucchini layer a crisp texture and a salty, nutty flavor. Additionally, it increases the dish’s fat and protein content, which makes it more keto-friendly.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
- The essential ingredient for that luscious, melty pizza texture is mozzarella. The remaining portion becomes the cheesy top layer, while the other half goes into the zucchini crust.
KETO PIZZA SAUCE:
- Use one that is low in carbohydrates and sugar for a ketogenic pizza sauce. You may also make your own sauce using crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs for a fresher taste.
BEEF:
- This gives the casserole more protein and a flavorful taste. Utilize mince chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative.
ITALIAN SEASONING:
- Italian seasonings add typical pizza flavor by combining herbs like thyme, basil, & oregano. This seasoning unifies all the ingredients and improves the flavor of the zucchini crust.
BLACK PEPPER:
- Black pepper balances the dish’s overall flavor and enhances the herbs. Fresh crushed pepper has a stronger, fragrant taste in comparison of pre-ground pepper.
SALT:
- The casserole gains a rich, salty, and mildly spicy taste from the pepperoni. It is ideal for keto macros because it is high in fat and protein.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- We have to adjust the temperature of the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Then we apply oil to the dish.
- Put the shredded zucchini in a sieve and season it with salt; leave it for ten minutes.
- Add the zucchini shreds in the towel to squeeze all the water possibly.
- Mix the zucchini, Parmesan, eggs, 1 cup of mozzarella, and spices in a dish.
- Add the mixture in casserole dish.
- Bake until firm and beginning till it turn brown, about 20 minutes.
- Cover the zucchini foundation with pizza sauce.
- Add the pepperoni, leftover mozzarella, and cooked beef or sausage on top.
- Bake for ten more minutes, or till the cheese melts and bubbly.
- Slice and serve after removing and let it cool for five minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve the zucchini pizza casserole slices with green salad.
- Pair these casserole slices with keto garlic bread or cauliflower breadsticks.
- Add some additional toppings like mushrooms or olives for variety.
TIPS:
- Always drain zucchini well to prevent a watery casserole.
- You could make the zucchini crust ahead & store it in the fridge.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the casserole slices in the covered container and store them for three days.
FREEZER:
- Wrap the casserole slices in the aluminum foil and freeze the slices for two months.
FAQs:
Can I make the vegetarian casserole?
- Absolutely, we make this casserole vegetarian. Eliminate the meat and include additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell pepper.
How to prevent the casserole from getting watery?
- We would squeeze all the water and drain properly. It helps to prevent the casserole from getting watery.
Can I make the casserole crust with almond flour?
- We can include some almond flour in the casserole to form a crust, and it also absorbs the moisture.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Net carbs: 5 g
Potassium: 480 mg
Fat: 21 g
Protein: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Total Carbs: 7 g
Calcium: 180 mg
Serving size: 1 cup
Iron: 2 mg
Vitamin A: 900 UI
Caloric count: 280 kcal
