Go Back

Saucy Sausage & Pepper Low Carb Pizza Casserole

A deconstructed pizza bake with a crispy cauliflower crust, savory sausage, peppers, onions, and layers of melted cheese. A healthy, family-friendly comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower Base
  • 1 large head cauliflower riced (4-5 cups)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Filling and Topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Food Processor (for cauliflower)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Rice the cauliflower florets in a food processor. Microwave or steam until tender, then transfer to a kitchen towel and wring out ALL excess liquid thoroughly.
  3. In a bowl, mix the dried cauliflower, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press firmly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden and firm.
  4. While crust bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook sausage until browned. Remove, leaving drippings. Sauté onion and pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 min.
  5. Return sausage to skillet. Add marinara and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Spread the sausage sauce mixture over the baked crust. Dollop with ricotta cheese.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Squeezing all moisture from the cauliflower is crucial for a non-soggy crust. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives.