Easy & Flavorful Meatzza Casserole

This hearty meatzza casserole offers a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that doesn't sacrifice flavor. The ground meat crust provides a satisfying base for all your favorite pizza toppings while keeping carbs in check.

I created this recipe during a family challenge to reduce carbs but still enjoy our Friday pizza night tradition. What started as an experiment has become our most requested weekend dinner, even from my kids who typically resist anything labeled "healthy."

Ingredients

• Ground beef or turkey: 1½ pounds creates the perfect base texture for maximum flavor absorption
• Large eggs: 2 help bind the meat mixture without adding breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup adds incredible savory depth to the meat base
• Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon provides classic pizza flavor notes
• Garlic and onion powder: 1 teaspoon each for aromatic depth without chunks
• Marinara sauce: 1 cup look for lower sugar varieties if strictly watching carbs
• Mozzarella cheese: 1½ cups freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded options
• Pepperoni slices: 20–25 opt for nitrate-free versions for a cleaner option
• Fresh vegetables: bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives provide texture contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the meat to cook through without burning while still creating a firm base. Take a moment to lightly grease your baking dish. A 9x13 inch dish works perfectly but a round pizza pan will give you that classic pizza look.

Create The Meat Base:

Combine ground meat, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and all seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything together ensuring the eggs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This careful mixing ensures consistent flavor in every bite.

Form The Crust:

Press the meat mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared baking dish. Take time to create a slightly raised edge around the perimeter to mimic a traditional pizza crust and help contain the toppings. Press firmly to eliminate air pockets which could cause uneven cooking.

Initial Baking:

Bake the meat base for 20–25 minutes until it firms up and is cooked through. The meat will shrink slightly and release some fat during this cooking process. This step is crucial for creating a sturdy base that can hold your toppings without falling apart.

Drain The Base:

Carefully tilt your baking dish to pour off excess fat or blot with paper towels. This prevents a soggy final product. Leave some fat for flavor but remove enough to ensure a firm texture that can be sliced and picked up like pizza.

Add Sauce And Cheese:

Spread marinara sauce evenly over the baked meat base leaving a small border around the edges. Then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer. The cheese acts as a delicious glue for your toppings.

Add Your Toppings:

Distribute pepperoni slices, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives evenly across the cheese layer. Arrange for visual appeal and ensure even distribution in each slice. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using for a pleasant heat that enhances all flavors.

Final Bake:

Return your meatzza to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots. Watch carefully during this final bake to achieve perfect cheese meltiness without overcooking the meat base.

The Italian seasoning blend is truly the heart of this recipe. I once tried making it without and the difference was remarkable. Those dried herbs might seem simple but they transform this from just meat and cheese into something that genuinely satisfies pizza cravings. My teenage son actually requested this for his birthday dinner last year over ordering takeout pizza!

Make-Ahead Options

This meatzza casserole works beautifully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of the final bake then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat simply add an extra 5–7 minutes to the final baking time. You can also fully cook the meatzza, let it cool completely, then slice and store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond being low in carbohydrates, this meatzza casserole offers substantial nutritional benefits. The high protein content from the meat and cheese provides excellent satiety keeping you full for hours. The dish also delivers significant amounts of B vitamins, zinc, and iron from the meat ingredients. By incorporating colorful vegetables you add important antioxidants, fiber, and micronutrients. For those following specific dietary protocols like keto or paleo this dish offers a nutrient-dense meal option that supports those eating patterns while actually tasting indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this meatzza casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without adding significant carbs. A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar provides refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. For those not strictly counting carbs, a side of roasted garlic broccoli offers additional nutrients and satisfying texture. If serving guests, consider setting up a topping bar with additional warmed marinara sauce, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and perhaps some crushed red pepper flakes allowing everyone to customize their slice.

Troubleshooting Tips

The most common issue when making meatzza is excess moisture in the meat base. If your ground meat seems particularly wet, consider adding an additional 2–3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan to absorb moisture. Another potential challenge is cheese that browns too quickly before heating through. If you notice this happening, simply cover loosely with foil for part of the final bake, removing for the last few minutes to allow for browning. Finally, if you find the meat base sticking to your pan despite greasing, be sure to let the meatzza rest for a full 5 minutes before attempting to slice it; the proteins need time to set.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of meat can be used for the base?

You can use ground beef, turkey, or a combination of beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives or simply omit it altogether.

→ What are some topping suggestions?

Try pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, bacon bits, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize your casserole.

→ How do you prevent the base from becoming soggy?

After baking the meat base, make sure to drain any excess grease or liquid before adding the toppings.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can replace the meat base with roasted eggplant, zucchini slices, or a vegetable-based mixture.