This low-carb cauliflower ziti is a baked casserole that will feed the entire family. It has 6g net carbs in each serving, so indulge and enjoy!
Cauliflower Baked Ziti
This is a fantastic family meal! Even if your kids struggle to enjoy eating all of their veggies, they will love this recipe. You really can’t go wrong with cheesy marinara-topped cauliflower.
If you have extra-picky kids, you might want to chop up the cauliflower into really tiny pieces first. That will help it mix into the ground beef and cheese a lot better.
Don’t forget to serve this with your favorite low-carb garlic toast! Now you are ready for an Italian feast!
Cauliflower Ziti
The name ziti comes from the type of pasta that is usually used in this casserole. To keep it gluten-free and l0w-carb, I used cauliflower florets instead of ziti pasta.
The rest of the ingredients are basically the same as a classic ziti bake. You still have the Italian seasoning, ground beef, and all that yummy cheese! If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese instead.
It’s quicker and easier to just use jarred Italian seasoning. And it tastes amazing too! There are recipes for homemade Italian seasoning if you want to mix your own herbs together. The most common spices in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and parsley.
Cauliflower Baked Ziti Keto
This recipe is also perfect for your keto meal prep later in the week. The cheese might harden as it chills in the refrigerator, but it will melt and taste amazing after you heat it back up.
Store leftovers in an airtight food storage container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe also makes a perfect freezer meal too! Just follow all the instructions and then let it cool completely. Then, store it in a freezer-safe and onion-safe container (like an aluminum pan). Seal it tightly to keep the air out and keep it in the freezer.
When you are ready to reheat it, just let it that in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and hot.
Low-Carb Baked Ziti Recipe
There are lots of different pasta substitutes you can use instead of ziti in this casserole. I used cauliflower and it isn’t the same shape or texture, so it’s a little different. If you want something that looks and tastes like pasta, try palmini noodles, zucchini noodles, or even some spaghetti squash.
You can also change this recipe really easily by using some shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef. It will still taste just as cheesy and delicious.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole
You don’t have to make your own marinara sauce for this recipe – just use a jar of sugar-free sauce you bought at the store. Always read the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup or any other types of sugar in it.
My favorite sugar-free marinara sauce is Rao’s homemade. It has a robust flavor and is made from whole ingredients – without added sugar.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Ziti Recipe
Here’s the list of ingredients to make this cauliflower ziti. Exact measurements and instructions are located in the printable recipe card just a little bit further below.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 6 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
Cauliflower
Olive oil
Ground beef
Garlic
Low carb marinara sauce
Italian seasoning
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Lower carb ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese grated
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Place the cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tender. Let cool.
4. Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until browned completely. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic, and saute another 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the marinara sauce, and mix to combine.
7. Layer half of the cauliflower florets in the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
8. Top the cauliflower with half of the ricotta cheese, then half of the parmesan, half of the meat mixture and finally, half of the mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat the layers above.
10. Bake for 15 minutes.
11. Garnish with parsley and serve.
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Low-Carb Cauliflower Ziti
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet
- 9x9 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 medium Head of Cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 cup Low-Carb Marinara Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Lower-Carb Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tender. Let cool.
- Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until browned completely. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic, and saute another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, and mix to combine.
- Layer half of the cauliflower florets in the bottom of a 9x9 baking dish.
- Top the cauliflower with half of the ricotta cheese, then half of the parmesan, half of the meat mixture and finally, half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers above.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Net Carbs: 6 Net Carbs Per Serving The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
Keto Ground Beef Recipes
If you enjoyed this cauliflower ziti, here are some more keto ground beef recipes you should make next!