This Keto Italian Casserole is a cheesy, low-carb comfort dish that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha! Makes 6 hearty servings with only 4.5g of net carbs!
Macros Per Serving:
- Calories: 450
- Net Carbs: 4.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 2.5g
Keto Italian Casserole Ingredients:
- 16 oz (454g) ground pork (80/20 fat ratio)
- 5.3 oz (150g) zucchini, diced (⅜-inch cubes)
- 4.4 oz (125g) mixed bell peppers (⅜-inch dice)
- 4 oz (113g) cremini mushrooms, ¼-inch slices
- 3 oz (85g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 oz (227g) full-fat ricotta cheese
- 8 oz (227g) whole milk mozzarella, shredded
- 2 oz (56g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 large garlic cloves (10g), minced
- 1½ tbsp (22ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pork: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground pork and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Veggies: Stir in the minced garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until wilted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: In a large casserole dish, layer the pork and vegetable mixture followed by the cheese mixture. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Pork | 180 | 16g | 14g | 0g |
| Cheeses | 195 | 13g | 15g | 2g |
| Vegetables | 55 | 3g | 3g | 2.5g |
| Olive Oil | 20 | 0g | 2g | 0g |
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor, Brown the pork until you get some crispy bits
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
- Storage: Keeps for 4 days in fridge, 3 months in freezer
Fun Fact: This recipe packs more protein than a medium steak and fewer carbs than half an apple!
This Keto Italian Casserole is perfect for satisfying your cravings while maintaining your low-carb diet. Serve it up for dinner and watch it become a family favorite. The cheesy goodness combined with the savory Italian flavors creates a mouthwatering experience. Each serving is packed with protein and flavor, making it a nutritious and delicious choice. Try this Keto Italian Casserole today and indulge guilt-free in every bite.
Now that’s what I call a win-win situation! 🏆 Remember: Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking – it’s like giving your casserole a tiny spa moment before diving in! 😉
Indulge in the rich, cheesy layers of this Keto Italian Casserole for a satisfying low-carb meal. Don’t forget to let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to enhance the flavors. This dish offers a protein-packed and flavorful alternative to traditional casseroles. With fewer carbs than half an apple, it’s a guilt-free choice for dinner. Treat your taste buds to the savory goodness of this family favorite recipe.
Zucchini Health Benefits:
Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Eating zucchini can help with digestion, support eye and heart health, strengthen your immune system, and may even aid in weight loss. It’s a versatile veggie you can enjoy raw, cooked, in salads, soups, or as a low-carb substitute for noodles!
