Description
This low carb Pizza Casserole is a quick and easy meal packed with smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and fresh vegetables. It offers all the flavors of classic pizza in a wholesome casserole form, perfect for busy weeknights or nutritious gatherings. With wholesome ingredients and a natural gelling agent to keep it perfectly set, this dish is satisfying, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar plant-based cheese)
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (natural) – mix of oregano, basil, and thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchinis, bell peppers, and fresh tomatoes into uniform pieces to allow even cooking. In a skillet, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion in olive oil until fragrant and translucent to develop the base flavors for the casserole.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Once cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces to add a smoky flavor and a crunchy texture to the casserole.
- Layer the Ingredients: Preheat a baking dish by brushing it lightly with olive oil and sprinkling the natural gelling agent evenly over the base to help the casserole set. Layer the zucchini slices first, then evenly distribute the sautéed garlic and onion, chopped smoked turkey bacon, bell peppers, and tomato slices. Top this with the plant-based cheese and spoonfuls of natural tomato sauce. Sprinkle Italian herbs between the layers for authentic pizza flavor.
- Bake Your Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the vegetables are tender but still retain their shape.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the natural gelling agent to set the layers perfectly, making slicing and serving easier.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables to keep the casserole light and flavorful and to avoid excess moisture during baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking so the natural gelling agent can set the dish properly.
- Customize with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil after baking for a fresher flavor.
- Opt for low-moisture plant-based cheese to prevent sogginess.
- Slice vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking times and consistent texture throughout.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: low carb, pizza casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, quick dinner, healthy casserole
