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

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 8 Servings)

• Calories: 250–320
• Protein: 22–28 g
• Net Carbs: 5–8 g
• Fat: 12–18 g

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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

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Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Slice zucchini into thin rounds (about ¼ inch / 6 mm thick).
2. Place in a colander.
3. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.
4. Let sit for 20 minutes.

This removes excess moisture.

Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

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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.

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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.

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Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

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Step 5: Build the First Layer

Arrange half of the zucchini slices across the bottom of the dish.

Slight overlapping is fine.

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Step 6: Add the Protein Layer

Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini.

Use a spatula to smooth it out.

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Step 7: Add the Meat Layer

Spread the cooked meat evenly over the cottage cheese mixture.

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Step 8: Add Remaining Zucchini

Arrange the remaining zucchini slices over the meat layer.

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Step 9: Add Sauce

Mix pizza sauce with Italian seasoning.

Spread evenly across the top.

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Step 10: Add Cheese and Toppings

Top with:

• 1½ cups mozzarella
• 2 tbsp Parmesan
• Pepperoni slices
• Any additional toppings

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Serving Ideas

• Side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Sautéed spinach