The Ultimate Crustless Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Crustless Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

This dish is a viral sensation for a reason: it’s the ultimate low-carb comfort food that bridges the gap between a hearty meat lover’s pizza and a rich, bubbly casserole. Often called Pepperoni Pizza Casserole or Crustless Keto Pizza, this recipe is designed for those who crave the bold, savory flavors of a pizzeria without the heavy, carb-laden dough.

Whether you are following a Ketogenic diet, looking for a gluten-free dinner option, or simply need a family-friendly weeknight meal that guarantees zero leftovers, this dish delivers. It’s meaty, cheesy, and packed with that signature pepperoni spice that everyone loves.

The “Yay” Ingredients List

Ingredient	The Essential Role It Plays
Ground Beef (80/20)	The savory foundation that provides structure and rich flavor.
Italian Sausage	Adds depth with fennel and garlic notes for an authentic pizza taste.
Pepperoni Slices	Provides a salty, spicy crunch and releases savory oils.
Low-Sugar Marinara	Offers the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
Whole-Milk Mozzarella	The “glue” that creates the iconic, gooey cheese pull.
Italian Seasoning	A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that elevates the gourmet profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Brown the Meat Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat into small crumbles. Drain the excess grease thoroughly—this is the secret to avoiding a soggy casserole.

2. Season and Layer

Stir in your garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Spread this savory base into a 9×13 glass baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create a solid “crust” layer.

3. The Cheese Blanket

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the meat, then cover it with a thick, even layer of shredded mozzarella. Don’t be shy; the cheese should reach every corner of the dish.

4. The Pepperoni Topping

Lay your pepperoni slices across the top in an overlapping pattern. This ensures every single bite has that iconic pepperoni crunch. Sprinkle a final dusting of Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven for 15–20 minutes. For the final 2 minutes, switch to the broil setting to get the pepperoni edges crispy and the cheese bubbling with golden-brown spots.

Pro Tip: Grate your own mozzarella! Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch, which prevents it from melting into that perfect, stretchy texture you see in the photos.

Serving Suggestions

Zesty Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine provides a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Butter Zoodles: Keep it low-carb by serving over sautéed zucchini.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: A great way to add greens to this high-protein meal.

Why This Recipe Wins

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate “Yay” because it strips away the filler and focuses on what we actually want: the toppings. It is a high-protein, low-carb powerhouse that satisfies the deepest pizza cravings without the “carb crash” later. It’s easy to prep, even easier to clean up, and is a guaranteed hit for game day appetizers or meal prep Sundays. Stop settling for frozen options and treat your kitchen to the smell of bubbling cheese and toasted pepperoni. This is a flavor explosion that proves you don’t need dough to have a “pizza” of the action!

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