If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty low carb Italian casserole, this recipe is exactly what you need. Made with riced cauliflower, ground beef, sausage, and layers of gooey mozzarella, it delivers bold Italian flavor without the carbs.
This keto-friendly casserole is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and satisfying enough for the whole family—even those not following a low carb diet. Whether you’re eating keto, gluten-free, or just trying to cut back on carbs, this Italian casserole is comfort food done right.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Italian Casserole:
- Family-friendly: Loved by low carb dieters and pasta-lovers alike
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and no special tools required
- Keto-approved: All ingredients are low in carbs and high in flavor
- Great for meal prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully
🥘Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 10 oz riced cauliflower
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 lb ground beef or venison
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 16 oz keto-friendly marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, parsley
Tip: Use a sugar-free marinara like Rao’s or make your own low carb version to keep this keto-friendly.
Keto Italian Casserole Instructions
Step 1 – Prep and Steam
Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam the riced cauliflower until soft. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until golden and fragrant. Spread into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2 – Cook the Meat
Brown the Italian sausage and ground beef in the same skillet. Once fully cooked, layer the meat mixture on top of the onions in your casserole dish.
Step 3 – Combine and Layer
Add the steamed cauliflower, marinara, ricotta, and seasonings. Stir until well combined. Top with mozzarella cheese.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Recipe Notes
This low carb Italian casserole is easy to customize:
- Swap beef for ground turkey, venison, or chicken
- Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Use cream cheese or parmesan for added richness
- Spice it up with hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes
Nutrition info may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, air-fryer, or microwave.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets to make riced cauliflower?
Yes! Steam the florets first, then pulse in a food processor until they resemble rice.
Is this casserole good for Crohn’s disease?
It can be a great option if you are looking for casserole recipes for Crohn’s disease. This recipe uses well-cooked, low-residue ingredients and is gluten-free. However, adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
🍽️ More Low Carb Dinner Recipes
- Keto Meatball Casserole – Easy, cheesy, and made with homemade Italian meatballs
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole – A healthy twist on a classic
- Keto Chicken Alfredo Skillet – Creamy and comforting one-pan meal
- Chicken Fajita Soup (Dump Meal) – Great low carb crockpot option
If you loved this recipe, leave me a comment, and be sure to share it on Pinterest so everyone can give it a try.
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Keto Italian Casserole Recipe
This low carb Italian casserole is packed with beef, sausage, and gooey cheese. A keto-friendly weeknight dinner made with cauliflower rice and marinara.
Ingredients
- 1 Small Onion
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
- 10 Ounces Riced Cauliflower
- 1 Lb. Ground Mild Italian Sausage
- 1 Lb. Ground Beef or Venison
- 1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Basil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Parsley
- 16 Ounces of Marinara Sauce
- 2 Cups of Whole Milk Mozzarella
Instructions
The first step is to preheat an oven to 375 degrees and then prepare the riced cauliflower by steaming it until it is soft.
Meanwhile, cook garlic and onion on medium heat in a large skillet coated with olive oil until it becomes fragrant and golden brown.
Once done, add this to the bottom of a casserole dish.
The next step is to brown the Italian sausage with ground meat until thoroughly cooked.
When the steamed cauliflower is ready, pour it on top of the onions then top this layer with the hearty ground beef mixture.
Stir in the marinara sauce and then add the remaining ingredients besides the cheese topping to the dish.
Stir everything together and then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake for about 12-15 or until the cheese has melted on top.
Notes
This keto casserole recipe can be made in a variety of ways tailored to your unique preferences or just based on what you have in the fridge.
Switch out the ground beef for venison, ground turkey, or grass-fed beef, all of these will deliver similar results.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 717Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 164mgSodium 1105mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 53g
The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
What marinara was used for this casserole?
Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by! I use about 16 ounces of this marinara sauce to make this recipe.
I’m not seeing an amount for the marinara sauce, how much did you use?
Hi Chinesa, thanks for stopping by! I use about 16 ounces of this marinara sauce to make this recipe.
That looks very good. Will add that to my queue of recipes. Thanks!