Ingredients:

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Ground Italian Sausage (or high-quality 80/20 Ground Beef)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15 ml)
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 500 g (17.5 oz) Low-Carb Marinara Sauce
  • 115 g (4 oz) Cream Cheese, softened and cubed (Full fat)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 cups (240 g) Shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Sliced Pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Sliced Black Olives
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground meat (sausage or beef) to the skillet. Break it up and cook thoroughly until fully browned.
  4. Place the cooked meat mixture into a colander and drain off all the excess fat. Return the drained meat to the skillet.
  5. Season the meat base: Stir in the oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper into the cooked meat mixture.
  6. Press the entire seasoned meat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, forming a solid 'crust' layer.
  7. Make the Cream Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  8. Pour the low-carb marinara sauce over the meat base. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture directly over the marinara in dollops, or gently swirl it into the sauce using a fork.
  9. Add Toppings: Scatter 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer. Arrange the sliced pepperoni, olives, and bell pepper slices across the top.
  10. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  11. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is completely melted.
  12. (Optional) If the cheese isn't golden brown, switch the oven to the high broil setting for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  13. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish generously with fresh basil before serving.