Savory Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite Twist

Crafting a mouthwatering zucchini pizza casserole brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of fresh vegetables mingle with melted cheese and savory seasonings.

Families adore this clever twist on traditional pizza flavors.

Light and satisfying, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Nutritious zucchini provides a delightful base for classic pizza-inspired toppings.

Simple ingredients come together quickly in one baking dish.

What Makes Zucchini Pizza Casserole Stand Out

• Craft Low-Carb Pizza Delight: Replace traditional pizza crust with zucchini for a healthier, vegetable-packed alternative that satisfies pizza cravings without guilt.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: One-pan recipe eliminates complex cooking steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen time.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Easily swap ingredients like sausage, cheeses, or seasonings to match personal taste preferences or accommodate dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's core structure.
• Boost Vegetable Intake: Incorporate nutrient-rich zucchini as a base, providing a clever way to increase vegetable consumption for picky eaters or those seeking more balanced meals.

Key Ingredients You’ll Be Using

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that creates the delicious low-carb pizza crust.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the zucchini crust together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor to the zucchini base.
• Italian Cheese Blend: Provides creamy, melty texture to the casserole.

• Italian Sausage: Adds hearty meat flavor and protein to the dish.
• Onion, Mushrooms, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Roma Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes: Create a classic pizza-like sauce base.
• Italian Seasoning Blend: Provides traditional pizza herb flavors.
• Pink Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Adds additional melty cheese layer on top.

• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

Step-by-Step to Pizza Casserole Bliss

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a delicious pizza-inspired adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini Base

Grab your zucchini and grate it into fine ribbons.

Squeeze out all the extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.

This keeps your casserole from getting soggy.

Step 3: Create the Zucchini Crust

• Grated zucchini
• Beaten eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Shredded Italian cheese blend
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix everything together until well blended.

Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming a solid base.

Bake for 20 minutes until the crust sets and looks slightly golden.

Step 4: Sizzle the Meat and Veggies

While the crust bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat.

Brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into tasty crumbles.

• Chopped onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables turn tender and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Layer the Sausage Mixture

Spread the sizzling sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the baked zucchini crust.

Step 6: Add Tomato Goodness

• Chopped roma tomatoes
• Italian seasoning blend
• Pink salt
• Crushed tomatoes

Step 7: Cheese It Up

• Remaining shredded Italian cheese
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley on top.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your zucchini pizza casserole!

Tips That Help Everything Bake Just Right

• Remove as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy crust and ensure a crispy base that holds together perfectly.
• Mix different cheese varieties like Parmesan and Colby Jack to create a more complex, rich taste profile for the casserole.
• Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Use roma tomatoes instead of watery varieties to maintain the casserole's texture and prevent excess liquid from forming.
• Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or basil to boost the overall flavor and create a more authentic pizza-like experience.

Unique Spins to Make It Your Own

• Vegetarian Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Replace Italian sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or seasoned tofu crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust Option: Swap zucchini base with riced cauliflower mixed with eggs and cheese to create an even lower-carb alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Cheese Lovers Edition: Use full-fat cheeses, eliminate tomato sauce, and add extra high-fat toppings like crispy bacon bits or sliced pepperoni.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add spinach, use Greek seasoning, and include kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-style pizza casserole.

How to Serve It Like a Pro

• Veggie Side Symphony: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber slices, and a light Italian vinaigrette to complement the rich casserole flavors.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve warm garlic bread or toasted focaccia slices alongside the casserole to soak up delicious tomato and cheese juices.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the zesty sausage and tomato notes in the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil over individual servings for a bright, aromatic finishing touch that adds color and freshness.

Storing Slices for Later Enjoyment

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, the zucchini serves as a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust, making it perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef works great as a substitute and will still provide delicious flavor to the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

While the base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, always check your cheese and seasoning labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to maintain the protein content and flavor profile.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini pizza casserole delivers comfort with Italian-inspired flavors, blending garden-fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness. Packed with protein and low-carb charm, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound keto Italian sausage
• 4 medium zucchini, grated (approx 4 cups)
• 2 large eggs
• 12 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
• 4 ounces (1 cup) Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
• 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
• Pink salt, to taste
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Grate zucchini thoroughly, then vigorously remove excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
3. Create a savory base by mixing grated zucchini, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian cheese blend, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing firmly to form a consistent crust. Bake for 20 minutes until the base sets and edges turn slightly golden.
5. While the crust bakes, brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles for even cooking.
6. Add chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic to the sausage, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
7. Distribute the sautéed sausage and vegetable mixture uniformly over the baked zucchini crust.
8. Layer chopped roma tomatoes across the surface, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, pink salt, and crushed tomatoes for enhanced flavor profile.
9. Generously cover the casserole with remaining Italian cheese and Colby Jack cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Return the casserole to the oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Squeeze out zucchini moisture completely to prevent a soggy crust, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for best results.
• Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella and provolone to customize the casserole’s taste and create a unique culinary experience.
• Add red pepper flakes or extra herbs like basil and oregano for a bolder, more intense Mediterranean-inspired profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg