High-Protein Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Cheesy pepperoni pizza casserole with seasoned beef — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 35 minutes
This high-protein pepperoni pizza casserole has all the pizza-night flavor in one easy dish. Seasoned ground beef is mixed with sugar-free pizza sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and a layer of pepperoni, then baked until bubbly. Every serving delivers 32 g of protein and only 5 g net carbs.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Bake: 25 min
Why you’ll love this casserole
- 32g protein per serving — a complete high-protein dinner
- Only 5g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Pepperoni, beef, and melted cheese in every bite
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- One-dish meal with easy leftovers
- Tastes like pizza without the crust
Health notes
- High protein: Ground beef, cheese, and pepperoni pack the protein.
- Low carb: No dough or pasta — just meat and cheese.
- Sugar-free: Use a sugar-free pizza sauce.
Key element — drain the beef well
Drain excess fat after browning so the casserole stays thick and doesn’t get greasy under the cheese.
A-High Protein
High-Protein Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Prep10 min
- Total10 min
- Servings6 servings
- Calories380 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish.
- Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef with onion (if using) over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with mozzarella, then arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake. Bake 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni edges are slightly crisp.
- Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes & Tips
- Drain the beef thoroughly so the casserole isn’t greasy.
- Use a sugar-free pizza sauce to keep the net carbs low.
- Let it rest a few minutes so the slices hold together better.
- For extra crispy pepperoni, broil the last 1–2 minutes.
- This reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Variations & serving ideas
- Sausage version: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Chicken pizza: Swap in cooked shredded chicken.
- Extra veggies: Stir in diced bell pepper or mushrooms with the beef.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños under the cheese.
- Meat lovers: Add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon under the cheese.
- Supreme: Stir in mushrooms, olives, and diced green pepper with the beef.
- White pizza: Skip the red sauce and use ricotta mixed with garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Individual portions: Bake in ramekins for easy single servings.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (Store covered)
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (Freeze slices separately for easy reheating)
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer (Best texture — keeps the cheese from getting rubbery)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 6 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Total fat | 24 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes. At only 5g net carbs per serving it fits most keto and low-carb plans.
Why is my casserole greasy?
The beef wasn’t drained well enough. Always drain excess fat after browning.
Can I use turkey or chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey or cooked shredded chicken both work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
What sauce should I use?
A sugar-free pizza sauce or thick marinara keeps the carbs low. Check the label for added sugar.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze individual slices and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
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