Here’s your Meat Lover’s Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole – High-Protein Edition 🍕💪
All the deep-dish flavor, layered and cheesy — without the carb-heavy crust.
🍕 Meat Lover’s Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole (High-Protein)
🍽 Makes: 6 servings
High protein | Low carb option included
🥩 Ingredients
Meat Layer:
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1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
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½ lb turkey Italian sausage (or lean beef sausage)
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½ cup diced turkey pepperoni
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½ cup chopped Canadian bacon or lean ham
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½ small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Layer:
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1 ½ cups low-sugar marinara sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Protein “Crust” Base (Optional but Recommended):
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1 cup liquid egg whites
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½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)
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¼ cup grated parmesan
Cheese Layer:
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1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella
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½ cup reduced-fat provolone
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2 tbsp parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
Step 1: Make Protein Base
Whisk egg whites + blended cottage cheese + parmesan.
Pour into baking dish and bake 12–15 minutes until just set.
(This creates a high-protein deep-dish base.)
Step 2: Cook Meat Layer
Brown ground beef + sausage with onion and garlic.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara, seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread meat mixture over baked base.
Top with Canadian bacon + pepperoni.
Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan generously on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 45–50g
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Carbs: 6–8g (depending on sauce)
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Fat: 22g
💪 Why It’s High-Protein
✔ Multiple meat sources
✔ Egg-white protein base
✔ Cottage cheese boost
✔ Reduced-fat cheese keeps macros balanced
🔥 Make It Even Leaner
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Use all lean turkey instead of beef
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Use fat-free mozzarella
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Add mushrooms or bell peppers for volume
