Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce (check for no-added sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms, cooking until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips:
- Add Extra Flavor: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other low-carb veggies like spinach or cauliflower rice to the casserole.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
This Keto Italian Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish that’s bursting with classic Italian flavors while keeping the carbs low. It’s perfect for family dinners, and it’s so delicious that no one will miss the pasta!
