Pizza night has always been a favorite in my house, but sometimes, I want to enjoy all the cheesy, meaty goodness without the carb-heavy crust. That’s why this Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole has become a favorite in my kitchen!
It has all the flavors of a classic pizza—savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—without the extra carbs.
Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in more veggies, making it a hit for both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a satisfying and wholesome meal that won’t weigh you down, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No need to miss out on pizza while cutting carbs!
- Packed with Flavor – All the delicious elements of pizza, baked into a comforting casserole.
- Easy to Customize – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly – A sneaky way to get the kids to eat more veggies.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe
For this delicious low-carb pizza casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini – A low-carb base that adds moisture and texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – The perfect gooey, melty cheese for that pizza-like pull.
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped – Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – Provides a rich and sharp contrast to the mozzarella.
- 2 eggs – Helps bind the casserole together.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef – A hearty protein that makes the dish filling.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Brings in mild sweetness and depth.
- 1 can (15 ounces) Italian tomato sauce – A rich, herb-infused sauce for authentic pizza taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic – A must-have for any Italian-inspired dish.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the dish.
Optional Add-Ons
Want to make it your own? Here are some additional toppings and mix-ins:
- Black olives – For a briny, salty touch.
- Mushrooms – Adds an earthy depth of flavor.
- Crumbled sausage – For an extra-protein boost.
- Red pepper flakes – A bit of heat for spice lovers.
Tools You’ll Need
- Box Grater or Food Processor – To shred the zucchini quickly.
- Cheesecloth or Kitchen Towel – To squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Large Skillet – For cooking the ground beef and onions.
- Mixing Bowls – To combine all the ingredients evenly.
- 9×13 Baking Dish – The perfect size for a hearty casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Transfer the shredded zucchini into a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Step 2: Preheat & Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, eggs, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cheddar, and salt.
- Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and evenly press the zucchini mixture into the bottom.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the base is firm and lightly golden.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
- While the base is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the Italian tomato sauce and stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Remove the zucchini base from the oven.
- Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, chopped bell peppers, and/or zucchini slices over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Best Paired With
- A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic butter cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.
- Zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil and parmesan.
Storage and Serving
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Drain the zucchini well – This prevents excess moisture.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting to maintain structure.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Substitutes and Variations
- Ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-friendly.
- Tomato-free sauce for a nightshade-free version.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
What Others Are Saying About the Recipe
Jill V.: “I made this for my family, and they loved it! Even my picky eater went back for seconds. So easy and full of flavor!”
Greg R.: “As someone on a keto diet, this was a game-changer. I didn’t miss the crust at all. It’s like eating pizza without the guilt.”
Mika S.: “I meal-prepped this for the week, and it reheats really well. The flavors get even better the next day!”
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! It contains no flour or grains, making it completely gluten-free.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble it a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
Can I swap out the ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole is proof that you don’t need a traditional crust to enjoy all the flavors of pizza. It’s a satisfying, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. The combination of hearty beef, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned zucchini makes every bite comforting and delicious. If you love pizza but want something a little lighter, this casserole is a perfect addition to your recipe rotation!