This casserole delivers pizza flavors with plenty of protein and far fewer carbs than traditional pizza. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, while zucchini replaces most of the starch.
Yield
- 6–8 servings
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cook Time
- 40–45 minutes
Total Time
- About 1 hour
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 8 Servings)
- Calories: 250–320
- Protein: 22–28 g
- Net Carbs: 5–8 g
- Fat: 12–18 g
Ingredients
Zucchini Base
- 4 medium zucchini (about 2 lb / 900 g)
- 1 tsp salt
Protein Layer
- 2 cups (450 g) low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Meat Layer
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Layer
- 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 turkey pepperoni slices or regular pepperoni
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Optional toppings:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Black olives
- Jalapeños
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Slice zucchini into thin rounds (about ¼ inch / 6 mm thick).
- Place in a colander.
- Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.
- Let sit for 20 minutes.
This removes excess moisture.
Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook 2–3 minutes.
Add ground meat.
Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess liquid if needed.
Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Mix well.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Step 5: Build the First Layer
Arrange half of the zucchini slices across the bottom of the dish.
Slight overlapping is fine.
Step 6: Add the Protein Layer
Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini.
Use a spatula to smooth it out.
Step 7: Add the Meat Layer
Spread the cooked meat evenly over the cottage cheese mixture.
Step 8: Add Remaining Zucchini
Arrange the remaining zucchini slices over the meat layer.
Step 9: Add Sauce
Mix pizza sauce with Italian seasoning.
Spread evenly across the top.
Step 10: Add Cheese and Toppings
Top with:
- 1½ cups mozzarella
- 2 tbsp Parmesan
- Pepperoni slices
- Any additional toppings
Step 11: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes.
The casserole is done when:
- Cheese is melted and golden
- Edges are bubbling
- Center is set
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Step 12: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
Extra-High-Protein Version
To boost protein even further:
- Use 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Add 1 cup liquid egg whites to the cottage cheese mixture.
- Increase cottage cheese to 3 cups.
- Increase mozzarella by ½ cup.
This can raise protein to approximately 30–35 g per serving.
Meal Prep & Storage
Refrigerator
- Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze portions individually for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: 2–3 minutes.
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Sautéed spinach
