High-Protein Cottage Cheese Zucchini Pizza Casserole (Low-Carb)
A cheesy, satisfying, pizza-inspired casserole packed with protein and veggies — perfect for a healthy low-carb dinner or meal prep.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 35–40 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Zucchini Base
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced or diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Protein Layer
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza Sauce Layer
- 1 to 1½ cups low-sugar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Optional Pizza Toppings
- turkey pepperoni
- mushrooms
- olives
- bell peppers
- spinach
- jalapeños
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat oven to:
- 400°F (200°C)
Slice zucchini and place in a colander.
Sprinkle with salt and let sit:
- 10–15 minutes
This removes excess moisture.
Pat dry well with paper towels.
2. Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook:
- onion
- garlic
for 2–3 minutes.
Add ground meat and cook until browned.
Season with:
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
Drain excess liquid if needed.
3. Make the Cottage Cheese Layer
In a bowl combine:
- cottage cheese
- eggs
- parmesan cheese
Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer in this order:
- Half the zucchini
- Half the meat mixture
- Half the pizza sauce
- Cottage cheese mixture
- Remaining zucchini
- Remaining meat
- Remaining sauce
- Mozzarella cheese on top
Add optional toppings if desired.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for:
- 35–40 minutes
until bubbly and golden brown.
Casserole should reach:
165∘F=74∘C165^\circ F = 74^\circ C
Let rest:
- 10 minutes
before slicing.
Optional Crispy Top
Broil:
- 2–3 minutes
for extra golden cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- side salad
- roasted vegetables
- garlic green beans
- cauliflower breadsticks
Variations
Keto Version
Use:
- full-fat cheese
- sugar-free pizza sauce
- pepperoni
- extra mozzarella
Vegetarian Version
Replace meat with:
- mushrooms
- spinach
- tofu crumbles
Extra Protein Version
Add:
- extra cottage cheese
- grilled chicken
- turkey pepperoni
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven or microwave
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- High protein
- Low carb
- Gluten-free
- Keto-friendly option
