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)
Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE
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!
Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE