
My husband loves this meal for a weeknight dinner!
Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Cheese Casserole
A Cozy, Keto-Friendly Classic with Bold Flavor and Homestyle Comfort
In the heart of the countryside, where the aroma of home-cooked meals fills the kitchen and time slows down just enough to savor each bite, there’s a special kind of magic that happens. It’s the magic of comfort food — the kind that warms your soul, feeds your hunger, and brings people together around the table.
This Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Cheese Casserole captures that spirit beautifully. It’s a rustic, farmhouse-inspired dish with a modern low-carb twist. Juicy Italian sausage and crispy pepperoni are combined with colorful bell peppers, aromatic spices, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, satisfying — and most importantly — low in carbs, making it perfect for keto lifestyles, gluten-free eaters, or anyone wanting a lighter take on a traditional comfort dish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead for the week, or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this casserole is fast, filling, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Low-carb & keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor
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✅ Customizable with your favorite spices or protein swaps
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✅ Meal-prep approved – easy to assemble ahead and bake later
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✅ One-dish convenience – minimal cleanup, maximum comfort
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible dish:
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Italian sausage, sliced | 1 lb (about 450g) |
Pepperoni, sliced | 1 cup |
Bell peppers (red & green), sliced | 2 cups |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Olive oil (for greasing) | As needed |
🔄 Customization Tip: Feel free to swap out the Italian seasoning for a mix of dried oregano and thyme, or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. You can also use turkey sausage or vegetarian alternatives.
Instructions
🥘 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease two small individual-sized foil pans or one medium baking dish with olive oil. These foil pans make it easy for portioning, storing, and serving.
🔥 Step 2: Cook the Ingredients
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced Italian sausage until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Using the same pan, sauté the sliced bell peppers for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant. You want them slightly tender but still vibrant in color.
🧀 Step 3: Mix & Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed bell peppers, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Divide the mixture evenly between your two prepared foil pans.
Top each casserole generously with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
🔥 Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pans on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden brown on top.
🍽️ Step 5: Serve & Savor
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly for easier slicing and better flavor.
Pair your cheesy casserole with:
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A crisp green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower
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Fresh tomato slices drizzled with olive oil and sea salt
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
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Add some crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds or cooked bacon bits before baking for extra texture.
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Balance the richness: A zesty salad with lemon or vinegar-based dressing helps cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
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Make-ahead magic: You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
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Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Cheese Casserole is proof that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. With layers of seasoned meat, sweet bell peppers, and gooey cheese baked to perfection, it delivers on every level — rich, satisfying, and entirely crave-worthy.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just want a new family favorite, this dish brings rustic charm and modern simplicity together in one beautiful pan. Go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!