Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (low-carb/no sugar added)
- 2-3 ounces uncured pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat Cauliflower: Cover the cauliflower florets with about 1 inch of water and microwave for 90 seconds, or alternatively heat it on the stovetop until slightly tender.
- Drain & Dry: Drain the cooked cauliflower thoroughly and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, essential for a good texture in the casserole.
- Chop Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into very small florets, resembling cauliflower rice rather than large chunks.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the sliced mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and golden.
- Combine Vegetables & Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix the chopped cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and salt until well combined.
- Pour Sauce Into Baking Dish: Spread a layer of the marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Layer Half of Casserole: Add half of the cauliflower mixture over the sauce, then add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by half the uncured pepperoni and half the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining cauliflower mixture, cover with the rest of the marinara sauce, and top with the remaining pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
- Add Parmesan & Bake: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Once baked, serve the casserole warm, optionally garnishing with fresh basil for extra aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the cooked cauliflower thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Using uncured pepperoni keeps the recipe healthier and keto-friendly.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb