Crockpot Pizza Without Carbs

This Keto Crockpot Pizza Casserole transforms all your favorite pizza flavors into a low-carb feast that doesn't sacrifice taste. The combination of seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and generous amounts of cheese creates a satisfying dish that delivers that pizza experience without the crust.

I first created this recipe when my family started keto but my teenagers were constantly complaining about missing pizza night. Now they request this casserole weekly and even prefer it to delivery pizza sometimes!

Ingredients

• Ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole providing essential protein and fat for keto dieters
• Sugar free marinara sauce brings authentic pizza flavor without added sugars look for brands with under 5g carbs per serving
• Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy pizza cheese pull we all love use full fat for best keto macros
• Parmesan cheese adds a sharp nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile freshly grated provides the best flavor
• Pepperoni slices provide that classic pizza topping experience choose thicker cut for more meaty texture
• Garlic powder infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the work of mincing fresh garlic
• Italian seasoning blend mimics the herb profile of traditional pizza sauce
• Salt and pepper essential for bringing all flavors together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned and no pink remains. Take your time with this step to develop flavor through proper browning. Drain any excess fat to prevent the final dish from becoming greasy. The browned bits add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Layer the Base Ingredients

Add the cooked ground beef to your crockpot followed by marinara sauce and seasonings. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. The sauce should coat all the meat completely. This foundational layer sets the flavor profile for the entire dish.

Create the Cheese Layer

Stir in half of both cheeses into the meat mixture which will melt throughout the casserole. This creates pockets of gooey cheese within the meat layer rather than just on top. Make sure to distribute evenly for consistent cheesy goodness in every bite.

Top With Finishing Elements

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the mixture creating that classic pizza appearance. Arrange pepperoni slices decoratively on the very top where they will crisp slightly during cooking. The visual appeal makes this casserole even more enticing.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Avoid opening the lid frequently as this releases heat and extends cooking time. The slow cooking allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.

Bookmark

The marinara sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I spent months testing different brands and recipes to find the perfect balance of flavor without added sugars. My family tradition now includes making homemade sugar free marinara in big batches to have ready for this casserole whenever the pizza craving strikes.

Topping Variations

This casserole welcomes customization just like a regular pizza. Consider adding keto friendly vegetables like sliced bell peppers mushrooms or olives. These additions not only enhance nutrition but also create different flavor profiles each time you make it. My family keeps a rotation of different versions so it never gets boring. Just be mindful to adjust the carb count accordingly when adding extra ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. For those with higher carb allowances consider serving alongside zucchini noodles or cauliflower breadsticks for a complete pizza night experience. I often set up a topping bar with extra cheese pepperoni and olives so everyone can customize their portion to personal taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This recipe shines as a make ahead option. You can brown the beef and assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before then refrigerate overnight. Simply place in the crockpot base the next morning and turn on before heading out for the day. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. The convenience factor makes this perfect for busy weeknights.

Bookmark

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add vegetables to this keto pizza casserole?

Absolutely! Low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives make excellent additions. Just make sure to account for any additional carbs they might contribute to the overall count per serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. You can reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

→ Can I make this casserole without a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this in the oven, combine all ingredients in a casserole dish as directed, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well as alternatives to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables with additional cheese for protein.

→ Why is my casserole watery?

This can happen if your marinara sauce is thin or if you didn't drain the fat from the ground beef. To prevent excess liquid, drain the beef thoroughly and use a thicker marinara sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of almond flour to help absorb excess moisture.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Portion it into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.