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!
Melanie Elliot says
Another great recipe from
Jordo. Love these casserole recipes that are healthy. B
Stephanie s says
The whole family loved this one, the two year old the one year old and the husband!!
Carla says
Absolutely love this recipe. Wanted pizza without the bread crust. Simple a d easy to make. Thank you Jordo.
Kendra says
I have picky eaters at my house, but this is always a hit!
Rachel E. says
SO good! So simple to make and I love using the Banza pasta to help make it a higher protein dish! I loooove the pepperonis on top - so yummy 🙂
Jordan Smith says
I love subbing chickpea pasta for higher protein. Sometimes I even add in shredded chicken!
Katelyn Stevens says
I love Jordo’s recipes because they are always good and easy to make. This one is both of those! I ate mine with a salad and it made such a yummy dinner! It was also great for meal prep!
Catherine says
Easy to make and packed with protein. After having this for dinner, I enjoyed the leftovers for several days.
Jordan Smith says
I love adding extra parmesan and red pepper flakes when I eat for leftovers!
Christina W. says
Can’t go wrong with a fun spin on pizza, a must try!!
Rae says
Easy and yummy—the two things I love in a recipe! It’s also a healthy portion of lista rather than pastas overload. It was great paired with a side salad.
Rae says
*healthy portion of pasta rather than a pasta overload
Taylor says
This was quick, easy, and delicious! We were craving pizza but needed more nutrition for training purposes and this was the perfect recipe to make goals meet cravings!
Brittany says
How much is a serving? Ie a cup?
Jordan Smith says
Hi Brittany, 1 serving is 1/6 of the recipe. The easiest way to measure 1 serving is to cut the casserole into 6 even pieces. For a more accurate measurement, you can weigh the entire recipe and divide by 6 to get the weight of one serving. I hope that helps & you enjoy this recipe!
Mary says
Thoroughly enjoyed this recipe ALL week long. I prepped it for my lunches - it was so simple to make and so delicious! I paired it with a salad & it was perfect! Highly recommend!
Brooke Davis says
When you’re child always makes a face at every healthy-ish thing you make for dinner and you’ve grown accustomed to it…wait until they take their first bite of this cheesy, saucy goodness! My MOM CARD was re-issued as he confessed, “it’s an 11 out of 10, mom. Five stars!”!!!
I have lived to make another meal, thanks to Jordo’s no nonsense pizza pasta creation!
Carman says
I used to make this in a bit of an unhealthy version . So glad we found this! Do yummy! Kid and husband approved!
Lisa Quiller says
This recipe is so good and SO easy. Even my picky son loved it!