• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dinner Party Diaries
  • Dinner Parties
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Courses
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
  • Dinner Party 101
  • Inspiration
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube
Home » Recipes » Main Courses » Keto Pizza Casserole

Keto Pizza Casserole

June 19, 2023 by Lori V Leave a Comment
Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not change your price should you buy something.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There are many things that I love about this Keto Pizza Casserole.  To name a few: 

  1. It’s great for both keto and non-keto guests
  2. It’s easily adjusted for various likes, dislikes, and dietary restrictions
  3. It has great “kitchen clean-out” potential
Keto Pizza Casserole - finished and plated

I love many forms of keto pizza–meatza crust, fathead dough crust, etc.  However, this Keto Pizza Casserole is one of my favorites, because it’s one of the easiest to make.  With no crust involved anywhere in this situation, I find it easier to scale for a dinner party or crowd.  Also, because the ingredients are all cooked independently or not in need of cooking, I can easily remove or substitute components to suit dietary preferences.  Besides, it’s basically what you would get if you scraped all of the delicious toppings off of your favorite pizza.  That’s almost a guaranteed win.  

After you make this one enough times, you can really just “forget” the recipe and mix and match as desired.  However, let’s ease into that free-for-all mode by trying the 3 versions that I have listed below.  Here they are: 

  • Version 1: (No Mushrooms, Not Spicy)
    • Chicken, Salami, Sweet Italian Sausage, Marinara, Parmesan, Mozzarella
  • Version 2: (With Mushrooms, Not Spicy)
    • Chicken, Pepperoni, Sweet Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Marinara, Parmesan, Mozzarella
  • Version 3: (With Mushrooms, A Bit Spicy)
    • Pepperoni, Hot Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Marinara, Parmesan, Mozzarella

I most recently made all 3 at once to suit a variety of likes and dislikes among a party of 13 on my Family Vacation to the Outer Banks.  You don’t need to go quite that extreme your first time through unless you want to (or need to).  Maybe just pick one variation and try that first. Unless you’re like me and jump in feet first with a “go big or go home” mentality.  If that’s the case, I have no doubt that you’ve got this.  Read on for the details.  See you on the other end!

My inspiration for this recipe is Low-Carb Deconstructed Pizza Casserole from Kaylyn’s Kitchen. 

What You Need to Make Keto Pizza Casserole

Equipment

  • Cutting Board – For chopping the mushrooms
  • Chef’s Knife – For chopping the mushrooms
  • Large Sauté Pan or Skillet
  • Rubber Scraper or Spatula
  • Paper Towel Lined Pan or Plate – For draining the cooked sausage
  • Large Mixing Bowl(s) – If I’m making multiple versions of this recipe at the same time, then I’ll use one bowl for each and set it up like a mini assembly line.  
  • 9 x 13 inch Casserole Dish(es) – Preferably with a lid.  You need one 9×13 inch casserole dish for each version of the recipe that you are making.  So if you want to do what I did and make all three, you’ll need three casserole dishes.  
  • Grater – Optional.  Only needed if you are grating / shredding your own cheese. 

Ingredients

This is a flexible recipe, so which ingredients you need depends on which version (from the list below) you are making or if you are off-roading and doing your own thing.

  • Sweet Italian Sausage – (Version 2) This needs to be cooked and crumbled.  I typically buy the links at the store, slice them open, and crumble them while they cook.  You can also buy bulk sausage.  However, I usually see that in 1 pound quantities.  That’s fine and isn’t going to cause any major issue with the recipe.  Just be aware that it’ll make slightly less casserole.  
  • Hot Italian Sausage – (Version 3) – Same notes apply as listed under Sweet Italian Sausage.  When I’m just cooking for the two of us, I always use the hot sausage.  However, as always, do what works for your audience.  
  • Cooked Chicken Breasts Cubed – (Versions 1 and 2) – I usually just buy the 22 ounce bag of pre-cooked cubed chicken for this recipe.  That said, I’ve also used leftover chicken from a whole cooked chicken or bought chicken, cut it up, seasoned it, and pre-cooked it myself.  It really just depends on your available Time Budget and if you’re trying to use up something out of the fridge.  
  • Mushrooms – Chopped and cooked.  I usually use White Button Mushrooms but have also picked up Baby Bellas instead for something different.  Both work.  Again, if given my druthers, I would include mushrooms in all versions of this Keto Pizza Casserole.  However, I occasionally have anti-mushroom people among my guests and want to make sure they have food options too  
  • Rao’s Marinara Sauce – Rao’s is my go to for low carb pasta sauce in general.  When cooking for a crowd that doesn’t do spice, I stick with Marinara.  If my guests are fine with a little heat, I’ll use Arrabiata instead.  
  • Salami and Pepperoni – If you prefer one to the other, you can definitely only use that one.  In this case, I had at least one guest who doesn’t like pepperoni but does like salami, so I made sure there were options.  
  • Shredded Mozzarella – You can either buy pre-shredded or grate your own.  I typically buy mine pre-shredded.  Just be aware that pre-shredded cheese from the store often contains an anti-caking agent that adds about 1 gram of carbs to each ¼ cup of cheese.  
  • Grated Parmesan – You can use as fancy or as unfancy of Parmesan as you would ilke.  I bought a large canister of it at the store for this particular application.  

Getting Started with Making Keto Pizza Casserole

I find the easiest way to get started with making this Keto Pizza Casserole is to get all of the ingredients ready to go.  I’m going to walk through the instructions for making all 3 versions at once.  However, you can obviously just do one variation at a time.  I’ll try to note which version a given step applies as we go.  

Prep Work

Chop your salami (Version 1) and Pepperoni (Versions 2 & 3) and set each aside. 

(For the Mushroom Included Versions–2 & 3)

Chop or slice your mushrooms.  Set them aside.

Whole raw white button mushrooms
Raw white button mushrooms chopped

(All Versions)

In a large pan, over medium high heat, crumble and cook your sausage.  I suggest working in batches to prevent overcrowding.  Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it to a paper towel lined tray or plate to drain.  If you are cooking both Hot and Sweet Italian Sausage, don’t forget to keep them separate.  

(For the Mushroom Included Versions–2 & 3)

Wipe the grease out of the pan you just used.  Then, again over medium high heat, add ¼ butter and the chopped mushrooms.  Work in batches if you need to.  Personally, I can usually fit them all at once.  Cook the mushrooms until they have released their juices.  About 8 – 10 minutes.  Set them aside.  

Cooked crumbled sausage on paper towel lined plate
Cooked mushrooms in pan

If you are using frozen chicken cubes, thaw them in the microwave if they are still frozen.  

Assembly

For each Version of the Keto Pizza Casserole you are making, you’ll need a large mixing bowl and a well greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.  I like to use the casserole dishes with lids.  This allows for preparing the casserole in advance just up to the point of baking and sticking it in the fridge until I’m ready to use it as well as easy storage of leftovers (if there are any).  

In the large mixing bowl combine all ingredients for the version you are making and mix well until everything is pretty evenly distributed.  

Adding Meat & Mushrooms (if applicable)

(For the “No Mushroom, Not Spicy” Version 1)

Add the meat to the bowl: one package worth (19 ounces before cooking) of the Sweet Italian Sausage, 6 ounces of chopped salami, and half a bag of cooked chicken cubes (11 ounces).  (If you are only making one kind of casserole and like chicken, feel free to add more.)  Stir to combine.

(For the “With Mushrooms, Not Spicy” Version 2)

Add the meat and mushrooms to the bowl: one package worth (19 ounces before cooking) of the Sweet Italian Sausage, 4 ounces of chopped pepperoni, half a bag of cooked chicken cubes (11 ounces), and mushrooms.  If you are making 2 versions with mushrooms, only add ½ of the mushrooms to this bowl and save the other half for the next one.  (Same note as above about adding more chicken if you have extra.)  Stir to combine.

(For the “With Mushrooms, A Bit Spicy” Version 3)

Add the meat and mushrooms to the bowl: one package worth (19 ounces before cooking) of the Hot Italian Sausage, 2 ounces of chopped pepperoni, and mushrooms.  If you are making 2 versions with mushrooms, this will only be ½ of the mushrooms you cooked.  Stir to combine.

Adding Sauce & Cheese

(For All Versions)

Pour the whole 22 ounce jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce in with the meat. 

Lori Note: I know that sometimes jar sizes can vary by the store in which you buy them.  I usually see 22-ounce, 24-ounce, and 32-ounce jars.  Either a 22-ounce or 24-ounce jar is fine.  

Next, add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese (I use grated) and 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella.  

Mixed sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms in a bowl
Keto Pizza Casserole - all ingredients mixed in a bowl

Baking

Pour the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.  If you are prepping the Keto Pizza Casserole in advance, stop here, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator.  

Bake at 350 degrees F.  If you are baking it immediately, after assembly, it will take about 30 minutes to heat through and get all of the cheese melted and gooey.  If you had stored it in the fridge, it will take ~45 minutes to heat through.  You don’t have any raw ingredients, so just check the center to confirm that the cheese is melted and it is warmed through the middle.  

I’ll say to serve this Keto Pizza Casserole warm.  However, for those of us who like cold pizza, it’s fantastic when / if cooled too. 

Enjoy!  If you mix and match and make your own combinations, tell me about them in the comments.  I love changing this recipe up.

Keto Pizza Casserole - finished and plated

Keto Pizza Casserole

This Keto Pizza Casserole is a delicious and flexible low-carb recipe that works great for a crowd or for weekly meal prep. Check out these 3 variations to please even your picky eaters.
Print Pin Rate Add to Menu Go to Dinner Party Menus
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Casserole, Easy, Keto
Prep Time: 50 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 24 (8 servings per casserole)
Calories: 497kcal

Ingredients

Version 1: No Mushrooms, No Hot Sausage, With Chicken and Salami

  • 19 ounces Sweet Italian Sausage This is usually 1 package of links at the store.
  • 11 ounces Cooked Chicken Breast Cubed
  • 6 ounces Salami Chopped
  • 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated

Version 2: No Hot Sausage, With Mushrooms, With Chicken and Pepperoni

  • 19 ounces Sweet Italian Sausage This is usually 1 package of links at the store.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 16 ounces Mushrooms Chopped and Cooked. I used White Button Mushrooms.
  • 11 ounces Cooked Chicken Breast Cubed
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni Chopped
  • 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated

Version 3: Hot Sausage, Pepperoni, and Mushrooms

  • 38 ounces Hot Italian Sausage This is usually 2 packages of links at the store.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 16 ounces Mushrooms Chopped and Cooked. I used White Button Mushrooms.
  • 2 ounces Pepperoni Chopped
  • 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium high, cook the Italian sausage. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and to keep the sweet and hot sausage separate. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet pan or plate to drain.
    19 ounces Sweet Italian Sausage, 19 ounces Sweet Italian Sausage, 38 ounces Hot Italian Sausage
    Cooked crumbled sausage on paper towel lined plate
  • Wipe out the grease. Then in the same pan, melt 4 tablespoons Salted Butter and then cook the 32 ounces of chopped mushrooms in the butter. Work in batches if you need to. Cook until the mushrooms release their juices. About 10 minutes. Set them aside.
    2 tablespoons Butter, 16 ounces Mushrooms, 16 ounces Mushrooms, 2 tablespoons Butter
    Cooked mushrooms in pan
  • If using frozen chicken cubes, thaw them.
    11 ounces Cooked Chicken Breast, 11 ounces Cooked Chicken Breast
  • Use a large mixing bowl for each separate version of the Keto Pizza Casserole you are making. Combine all ingredients for each version of the casserole in a single bowl, including all of the meats, mushrooms (if applicable), sauce, and cheeses.
    6 ounces Salami, 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce, 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, 4 ounces Pepperoni, 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce, 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, 2 ounces Pepperoni, 22 ounces Rao’s Marinara Sauce, 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
    Keto Pizza Casserole - all ingredients mixed in a bowl
  • For each version of the Keto Pizza Casserole you are making, spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish liberally with cooking spray.
  • Pour the mixture from a mixing into a casserole dish. You can pause at this point and refrigerate the casseroles until you are ready to bake them.
  • When ready to bake, bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes, until each casserole is heated through the center and all of the cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm.

Equipment

  • Cutting Board For chopping the mushrooms
  • Chef's Knife For chopping the mushrooms
  • Large Sauté Pan or Skillet
  • Rubber Scraper or Spatula
  • Paper Towel Lined Pan or Plate For draining the cooked sausage
  • 1-3 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1-3 9 x 13 inch Casserole Dish(es) Preferably with a lid. You need one 9×13 inch casserole dish for each version of the recipe that you are making. So if you want to do what I did and make all three, you’ll need three casserole dishes.

Your Own Recipe Notes

Made this recipe with your own special twist? Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Pizza Casserole
Amount per Serving
Calories
497
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
35
g
54
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
13
g
Cholesterol
 
119
mg
40
%
Sodium
 
1507
mg
66
%
Potassium
 
527
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
37
g
74
%
Vitamin A
 
339
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
377
mg
38
%
Iron
 
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Filed Under: Main Courses

Previous Post: « Serial Dinner Parties – Family Vacation to the Outer Banks
Next Post: Easy Smoky Summer Salmon Filet »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Flower arrangement with yellow, white, and orange roses and other yellow, white, and orange flowers

Welcome to the Party!

I'm Lori and this space is my way of sharing my passion for solving the many challenges posed by entertaining for various dietary restrictions.

Join me on my dinner party adventures where I create menus to adapt to special dietary restrictions--my own included. Read more about me and what you can expect to find on The Dinner Party Diaries →

Cat Chaos Corner

Stylized Cat Paw Print

Click on the Paw to see periodic updates on my feline co-workers.

Need Dinner Party Planning Help?

Find Dinner Party Plans, Menus, and Checklists by theme!

Find Recipes that you can scale to handle a dinner party!

Featured Dinner Parties

Feature image for recipe round up of Easter Casseroles and Desserts

Easter Casserole and Dessert Ideas

Feature image for Short On Time Dinner Party Blog Post

Short On Time Dinner Party

Feature image for Laid Back Dinner and Slumber Party

Laid Back Dinner and Slumber Party

More Dinner Parties

Footer

Dinner Parties big or small can be a challenge. Toss in some special dietary needs and your planning needs can grow exponentially.

I'm here to help! Stick with me for some great menus, themes, and pre-done plans!

Join the Party →

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Get In Touch
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Limit the Use Of My Sensitive Personal Information
  • Personal Culinary Solutions LLC – Corporate Info

Copyright © 2025 Dinner Party Diaries on the Foodie Pro Theme