All the bold, cheesy flavors of pepperoni pizza—without the crust. This High-Protein Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is rich, filling, and packed with protein, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when pizza cravings hit but you still want to stay on track.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients List:
Protein Base:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef
- 1½ cups low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta or blended cottage cheese (high-protein boost)
- 1 cup sliced turkey pepperoni or lean beef pepperoni
Sauce & Veggies:
- 1½ cups pizza sauce (no sugar added if possible)
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Extras:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black olives or spinach
Instructions:
-
Cook the Meat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess liquid and set aside. -
Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine cooked meat, pizza sauce, ricotta (or cottage cheese), vegetables, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly greased baking dish. -
Top It Off
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Add pepperoni slices and Parmesan if using. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
For crispy pepperoni, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. -
Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Additional Notes:
- Protein Boost: Use blended cottage cheese for extra protein with a smoother texture
- Low-Carb Friendly: Naturally low in carbs with no crust
- Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~420–480
- Protein: ~35–45 g
- Carbs: ~10–15 g
- Fat: ~16–20 g
