Easy Keto Pizza Bites (Low-Carb, Savory & Quick Snack/Appetizer!)
Satisfy your pizza cravings in a convenient, bite-sized form with these Easy Keto Pizza Bites! These savory cups are packed with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions, all baked with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, they’re naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free!
Yields: 12 pizza bites Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for browning beef)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 ounces sliced Canadian bacon, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 ounces pepperoni slices, quartered or roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Non-stick cooking spray (for muffin tin)
Optional for Serving:
- Warm Rao’s Marinara (or your favorite low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara sauce) for dipping
Equipment:
- 12-cup standard muffin tin
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown Ground Beef & Sauté Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat very well.
- Add the diced bell pepper and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the diced Canadian bacon and chopped pepperoni slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just to warm through.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Pizza Bites: Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine. The cheese will melt slightly and help bind the mixture.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into each muffin cup, pressing down gently to compact it slightly. Fill each cup almost to the top.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each filled muffin cup.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the filling is heated through.
- Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the pizza bites cool in the tin for 2-3 minutes before carefully removing them.
- Serve warm, plain, or with a side of warm Rao’s Marinara for dipping if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Excess grease will make the pizza bites soggy.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill the muffin cups almost to the top, but leave a little space for the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Cheese for Binding: Mixing some mozzarella into the filling helps it hold together better.
- Customization:
- Add other keto-friendly toppings like sliced black olives, mushrooms, or cooked crumbled sausage.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the mixture.
- Portion Control: These are excellent for meal prep; simply store and reheat.
Storage: Store any leftover Easy Keto Pizza Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, air fryer, or a toaster oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the following crucial ingredient checks are made:
- Canadian Bacon & Pepperoni: Most are low-carb, but always check labels for hidden sugars or fillers, especially in cheaper brands.
- Rao’s Marinara (Optional for Dipping): Crucial to use a low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara if serving as a dip.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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