This Pizza Pasta Casserole is high in protein, low in carbs, and a great addition to your weekly meal prep.
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Okay, I'll admit it: this recipe sounds heavy. Each word in the title has the potential to conjure up images of high-calorie comfort food (not that there's anything wrong with that).
But I'm here to tell you that this particular three-word combination represents a dish that's big on flavor but also designed to fit right into a healthy, macro-friendly nutrition plan. That, and you get to eat pasta that tastes like pizza, so... a win by any standard.
Pizza Casserole Recipe
This pizza casserole recipe is...
- family friendly (a crowd pleaser!)
- easy to make (check out the recipe below!)
- lower carb (about as much as an apple!)
- higher protein (almost 40g per serving!)
- great for meal prep (keeps a long time!)
That's a lot going for it. What's the catch? I can't find one.
Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Let's take a look at the full breakdown of calories and macros:
- Calories: 370kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 14g
Someone might say that 27 grams isn't low-carb, but the truth is that low-carb depends on what your goals are, and 27g is really not very much in the pasta-pizza realm. It's about as much as you'd get in a medium-sized apple.
Pizza Pasta Casserole Ingredients
What goes into this pizza pasta casserole? I'm glad you asked:
- banza rotini pasta
- turkey pepperoni
- 93% lean ground beef
- pasta sauce
- reduced fat mozzarella cheese
- italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
- optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil
There's not too much to complain about here. You can see why this recipe even appeals to the pickier eaters—whether they're children or not!
Pizza Casserole Instructions
I keep telling you this is easy. But I know you just want to know what you've got to do to get it done. Here's what's involved:
Prep
- Gather all ingredients.
- Add all of the seasonings (italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, & pepper) to a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large pot of salted water on the stovetop.
Cook
- Cook pasta following the directions on the box. Strain & set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef. Cook until no pink, about 7 minutes.
- Add seasoning mixture to the meat. Mix to coat. Take off heat.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked noodles, cooked meat and pasta sauce. Stir together well.
Bake
- Grease a large casserole dish.
- Pour in the pizza pasta mixture.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 350 for 15 mins.
- Top with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
Enjoy
- Enjoy!
Does pasta go with pizza?
Does peanut butter go with jelly? Pizza and pasta naturally play nice together. Much of what makes a good pasta dish can also take a pizza to the next level. Try this dish once and you'll see why.
How many calories are in a pizza casserole?
This low carb pizza casserole has 370 calories per serving.
Looking for more pasta recipes?
Jordo's World has you covered:
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Equipment
- oven
- casserole dish
- striner
- skillet
- pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz banza rotini pasta
- 2 oz turkey pepperoni
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 24 oz pasta sauce any seasoning
- ½ cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- optional: red pepper flakes fresh basil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Add all of the seasonings (italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, & pepper) to a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large pot of salted water on the stovetop.
- Cook pasta following the directions on the box. Strain & set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef. Cook until no pink, about 7 minutes.
- Add seasoning mixture to the meat. Mix to coat. Take off heat.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked noodles, cooked meat and pasta sauce. Stir together well.
- Grease a large casserole dish.
- Pour in the pizza pasta mixture.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 350 for 15 mins.
- Top with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
- Enjoy!
Chelsea Coretti says
Jordo never fails when it comes to a casserole. I love how SIMPLE this one is. I even eliminated a dish by throwing the sauce and noodles in the pan I cooked the meat in before dumping in a casserole dish. The best part is how there is no residue in the dish since the cheese is on top. My 4 year old daughter also loved helping spread the pepperoni on top!
Heidi says
This is a must make recipe! I used ground turkey and even added some cauli to sneak in some extra veggies. My husband and my 2 year old loved it too! It’s a yummy meal that feels hearty but not heavy! Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes with us and for free! Already have two recipes picked out to make next 💕
Jasmyn says
I have 3 very picky eaters and they all ate there plates clean 🙌 super easy, family friendly, macro yummy meal!!
Brenna R says
My husband is the pickiest of eaters and he loved this! It's easy to make, delicious, and a family favorite. Thank you Jordo!
Collette says
Made this recipe last night and it was delicious. Also so easy to make ahead and slide it in oven at supper time. An added bonus is both my kids loved it. My son ate three bowls. Will definitely keep this recipe in our weekly rotation.
Katie says
Delicious, quick, and easy!
Christine says
I'm making this for a second time tonight. HUGE hit with my family. I made it gluten free and dariy free, with ground chicken and pork pepperoni - SOOO GOOD!
Karli says
So quick and simple ingredients that you probably already have at home! This was a great dinner and is going to make great leftovers! Paired it with a salad!
haley parrish says
so yummy! i didn’t have any ground meat to use, but even workout that it was delish!! family approved as well 👍🏼
haley parrish says
@haley parrish, **without, not workout lol
Alison says
This was so good! We have already made it twice. It is easy to make and so delicious. The second time we added some cooked mushrooms.
Pam says
Absolutely great! Easy to throw together for a weeknight dinner and most importantly, the kids love it! I make one of Jordo’s casserole dishes every week and my boys are always excited for “casserole night.” Extra bonus: fits my macros!
Betsy Hopkins says
This was so easy and so yummy! It tastes like comfort food with out the guilt.
Jasmyn says
I love it when you find a meal that the whole family loves! And awesome portion!!
Madison says
This was so good! And with just my boyfriend and I it also makes great leftovers for lunches!
Melissa Penenori says
Doing the TT challenge this week & made this for dinner. It was so yummy & even my husband & 2 year old daughter loved it!