Description
This Pizza Casserole (Low Carb) recipe combines smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vibrant vegetables atop a low-carb cauliflower rice base. Ready in under 45 minutes, it offers a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The casserole is baked until golden and bubbling, delivering comforting pizza flavors with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice, well drained
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (melting variety)
- 1 cup natural tomato sauce
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent mixed with 2 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized to build rich flavor.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a separate non-stick pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
- Assemble the Layers: Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil. Spread the well-drained cauliflower rice evenly as the base. Layer the sautéed vegetables over the rice. Evenly spread the natural tomato sauce on top, then sprinkle the crispy turkey bacon. Add sliced olives and top with the plant-based cheese.
- Add the Natural Gelling Agent and Herbs: Drizzle the natural gelling agent mixture evenly over the casserole to help bind the ingredients. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs over the top for classic pizza flavor.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the plant-based cheese is melted, bubbling, and the edges turn golden brown.
Notes
- Make the casserole a day ahead to let flavors meld before baking.
- Ensure cauliflower rice is well drained to avoid soggy texture.
- Loosely cover the dish with foil when baking to prevent cheese from drying out.
- Add a splash of grape juice during vegetable sautéing for subtle sweetness and depth.
- Grease the baking dish with olive oil or use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: low carb, pizza casserole, turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, cauliflower rice, gluten free, baked casserole
