Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake: The Ultimate Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinner Delight

If you’re searching for a comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed dinner that satisfies your pizza cravings without the carb overload, look no further than this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake. This delicious bake blends the nostalgic flavors of a classic pizza with the health-forward benefits of cottage cheese, lean ground beef, and low-carb ingredients. Whether you’re living the keto lifestyle or just looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a must-add to your weekly rotation.

🍕 Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake is everything you crave in pizza – cheesy, saucy, and savory – but without the guilt of a high-carb crust. Instead of a traditional dough base, this recipe uses a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and almond flour (or other keto-friendly flour alternatives) to create a hearty, protein-rich foundation that mimics the feel of pizza while keeping carbs low.

• Keto and low-carb friendly
• Packed with protein and nutrients
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Perfect for make-ahead meals or meal prep
• A great way to sneak in extra veggies

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake. All ingredients are low-carb and keto-approved, making this dish ideal for a no-carb or low-carb lifestyle.

For the Crust:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full fat for keto)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-carb marinara or pizza sauce (look for no added sugar)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake comes together in just a few steps and is mostly hands-off after assembling.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
4. Stir in shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to form the base layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until browned.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the low-carb marinara or pizza sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the baked crust.
2. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
3. Add sliced olives, bell peppers, or your preferred toppings.
4. Bake again for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the bake cool slightly before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy your low-carb pizza comfort food!

💡 Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for better flavor and to stay keto-friendly.
• Drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese if it’s too runny for a firmer base.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for reheating!
• Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or even pepperoni for a personalized pizza twist.

🍽 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 6g (net carbs ~4g)
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Always double-check nutrition labels on sauces and toppings for accurate macros.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake with any of these healthy, low-carb sides:

• Zucchini Noodles with Olive Oil & Garlic
• Keto Caesar Salad
• Sautéed Garlic Green Beans
• Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
• Stuffed Mushrooms (Low-Carb)

This dish also works great as a main course for gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prep lunches.

🥶 Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake?

Yes, you absolutely can! Once baked and cooled:

1. Slice into portions.
2. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and foil.
3. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

🔄 Recipe Variations

Make this recipe your own by trying these fun variations:

🧀 Cheesy Supreme Version

Add pepperoni slices, mushrooms, green peppers, and extra cheese for a supreme-style bake.

🐔 Chicken Alfredo Pizza Bake

Replace marinara with keto alfredo sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.

🌶 Spicy Mexican Twist

Use taco-seasoned beef, salsa (low-carb), cheddar cheese, and top with jalapeños and avocado slices.

🥬 Vegetarian Option

Skip the meat and load the bake with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and diced zucchini.

💬 What People Are Saying

“This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake saved my low-carb diet. It tastes like lasagna meets pizza but with none of the guilt!” – @KetoQueen

“I meal prep this bake every week. My kids love it, and they don’t even realize it’s healthy.” – @HealthyMamaMeals

“Seriously the BEST low-carb comfort food I’ve had in a while. The crust holds together perfectly!” – @FitFoodieDad

✅ Health Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein: Great for muscle repair and satiety.
• Low in carbs: Ideal for keto, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly diets.
• Gluten-free: No wheat or traditional flour used.
• Calcium-rich: Thanks to cottage cheese and mozzarella.
• Customizable: Adapt to any dietary needs or preferences.

📌 Perfect For:

• Keto & low-carb dinners
• Easy weeknight meals
• Meal prep lunches
• Family-friendly dishes
• Potluck casseroles
• High-protein post-workout meals

🧡 Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake is more than just a healthy recipe – it’s comfort food reinvented. It captures all the mouthwatering joy of pizza night while helping you stay on track with your health goals. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or just exploring creative new meals, this pizza bake is going to earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal plan.