Pizza Toppings Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb bulk Italian sausage (browned and drained)
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (sliced)
• 4 eggs (large)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup pizza sauce (see recipe notes for homemade version)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning (and/or basil; plus extra for sprinkling)
• 3.5 oz pepperoni (chopped)
• 0.5 cup green pepper (chopped; about 2 ounces)
• 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 0.5 cup red onion (slivered; about 1 ounce)
• crushed red pepper (optional, for sprinkling)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   In a large skillet, brown the 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage with the 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms until the meat is cooked through and mushrooms are tender. Drain the excess grease thoroughly.

3. 3

   While the meat is browning, whisk the 4 eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup pizza sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning in a medium bowl until well combined.

4. 4

   Grease a 7x9-inch deep baking dish (or a 7x12-inch shallow baking dish).

5. 5

   Place the cooked sausage and mushrooms, 3.5 ounces of chopped pepperoni, 1/2 cup chopped green pepper, and 8 ounces of mozzarella cubes into the prepared baking dish.

6. 6

   Pour the egg and cream mixture over the ingredients in the dish and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

7. 7

   Top the mixture with the 1/2 cup slivered red onion. Sprinkle with a little additional garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

8. 8

   Bake for 45-55 minutes until the casserole is nicely browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Note: A small amount of liquid in the center is normal.

9. 9

   Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Use a large spoon to scoop out servings.

Notes

Pizza Sauce Recipe: Combine 8oz tomato sauce, 2tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, 2tsp granular Splenda, 1/4tsp garlic powder, and 1/2tsp dried basil. Simmer for 1 hour. Variation: For a version more like pure pizza toppings, the author suggests omitting the eggs and cream and increasing the mozzarella to a full pound.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• casserole
• low-carb
• keto
• pizza
• baked
• gluten-free