Cheesy Healthy Pizza Casserole Delight
Indulge in the flavors of your favorite pizza without the guilt! This Cheesy Healthy Pizza Casserole Delight is a wholesome take on classic pizza, packed with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and irresistible cheesy goodness. Made with ground beef, turkey pepperoni, and a medley of spices layered in a deliciously creamy and cheesy crust, this dish is the perfect option for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a sure-hit for both adults and kids alike. Enjoy a slice of comfort food while keeping health a priority.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra lean ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
Onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
Spaghetti sauce
2 cups (prepared)
Italian spices
2 tablespoons (mixed)
Turkey pepperoni
8 ounces (chopped)
Low-fat cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded (can substitute mozzarella))
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Egg whites
3 (beaten)
Cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon (added to egg whites)
Egg yolks
2 (beaten)
Splenda sugar substitute
1 teaspoon (mixed with yolks)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (mixed with yolks)
Fat-free cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Healthy Pizza Casserole Delight?
It is a wholesome and healthy version of a classic pizza casserole, featuring lean ground beef, turkey pepperoni, and a creamy, cheesy crust.
Is this pizza casserole actually healthy?
Yes, it is designed with health in mind by using extra lean ground beef, turkey pepperoni, low-fat cheese, and egg whites to reduce fat and calories.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of extra lean ground beef and 8 ounces of chopped turkey pepperoni.
Can I use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! The recipe notes that shredded mozzarella is a great substitute for the low-fat cheddar cheese.
What vegetables are in this casserole?
This recipe includes chopped onions and green peppers for flavor and added nutrients.
Why are egg whites and cream of tartar used?
Egg whites beaten with cream of tartar help create a light, fluffy, and structured base for the cheesy crust.
Can I use real sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, you can substitute the Splenda with an equal amount of regular sugar if you prefer, though it will change the calorie count.
How many ingredients are required?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used to make this flavorful dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal that provides the familiar flavors of pizza in a fun casserole format that children typically enjoy.
Does this recipe use spaghetti sauce?
Yes, 2 cups of prepared spaghetti sauce are used to provide the classic pizza tomato base.
What spices are needed?
You will need Italian spices, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to season the casserole.
Is there cream cheese in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 ounces of fat-free cream cheese to add creaminess to the dish.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be browned before being incorporated into the casserole.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Certainly! You can easily customize the dish by adding mushrooms, olives, or other favorite pizza toppings.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, by using extra lean beef, turkey pepperoni, fat-free cream cheese, and low-fat cheddar, it is significantly lower in fat than traditional pizza.
How is the Parmesan cheese used?
Parmesan is used both within the cheese mixture (1/2 cup) and as a topping (2 tablespoons) for a savory finish.
What is the purpose of egg yolks in the crust?
Beaten egg yolks mixed with garlic powder and Splenda help bind the crust and add richness to the flavor profile.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve, making it great for busy weeknights.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Definitely. It provides the warm, cheesy satisfaction of comfort food while maintaining a healthier nutritional profile.
What type of pepperoni is recommended?
Turkey pepperoni is recommended because it is leaner and contains less fat than traditional pork or beef pepperoni.
How much onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe specifies green pepper, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your spaghetti sauce and Italian spices are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it does not use a flour-based crust.
How many egg whites do I need?
You will need 3 beaten egg whites for this recipe.
What size of pepperoni pieces should I have?
The turkey pepperoni should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being added to the casserole.
Is this a good meal for gatherings?
Yes, its casserole format makes it very easy to serve to a crowd or at a dinner party.
Does it contain any artificial sweeteners?
The recipe as written uses Splenda, but this can be replaced with a sweetener of your choice.
How much garlic powder is used?
One teaspoon of garlic powder is mixed with the yolks to season the crust.
Can I use full-fat cheese if I prefer?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat cheese, though it will increase the overall fat content of the meal.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy meal with straightforward preparation steps suitable for any home cook.