Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember the first time I tried making a casserole that was both hearty and low carb. I was juggling a busy week, trying to keep my meals healthy, and craving something warm and comforting. The aroma filling my kitchen that day, the sound of bubbling cheese, and the joy of serving my family a meal that was both wholesome and satisfying it was a simple moment, yet one I treasure. That’s exactly why I love making Simple Low Carb Casseroles. They are not just food; they are hugs in a dish.
Whether you are a busy mom, a teen looking for a cozy dinner, or someone who just wants a guilt-free comfort meal, this recipe is perfect. Today, I’ll share with you my go-to method for creating casseroles that are low in carbs, big on flavor, and simple enough to make any night of the week.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Casseroles are special because they are versatile. You can toss in your favorite vegetables, add some protein, sprinkle a little cheese, and you have a meal that feels indulgent without the carb overload. I love Simple Low Carb Casseroles because they:
- Bring families together around the dinner table.
- Can be customized to your taste and pantry staples.
- Make great leftovers easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Give you that warm, homey feeling without the guilt of heavy carbs.
When I make this casserole, I feel like I’m creating more than a meal — I’m creating memories. Watching my family gather around the table, sharing stories while enjoying a dish made with love, is priceless.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s my secret to keeping this casserole both simple and delicious:
- 500g chicken breast, diced or shredded a lean protein that keeps it low carb.
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced adds moisture and subtle sweetness.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced for color and flavor.
- 200g mushrooms, sliced earthy depth that enhances the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped because caramelized onions are magic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced the flavor backbone.
- 200ml heavy cream rich without unnecessary carbs.
- 150g cheddar cheese, shredded use your favorite cheese for a gooey top.
- 1 tsp paprika, smoked or sweet adds warmth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme for a cozy, herbaceous note.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing.
Little kitchen secrets:
- Always sauté your onions and garlic until golden to bring out sweetness.
- Let the cheese sit on top of the casserole for a few minutes after baking to melt perfectly.
- Use a mix of fresh and dried herbs to layer flavor without adding carbs.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle in thyme, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this casserole with a side of crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. Sometimes, I add a spoonful of fresh salsa on top for brightness. For family dinners, I often serve it straight from the oven in the baking dish it feels rustic and welcoming.
My teens love it with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top, and my husband always asks for seconds. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese makes it a guaranteed hit.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day perfect for busy evenings.
These casseroles also freeze well. Just cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
100-Word Short Version
Simple Low Carb Casseroles are my go-to comfort meals when I want something cozy yet healthy. I sauté chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, then mix with creamy heavy cream, herbs, and seasonings. Everything goes into a baking dish, topped with shredded cheddar, and baked until golden and bubbling. Serve straight from the oven with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or make-ahead meals, these casseroles are flavorful, low carb, and full of love. Every bite feels like a hug and brings everyone together at the table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml heavy cream
- 150g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until golden.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until lightly browned.
- Toss in zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook 3–5 mins.
- Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle thyme, simmer 2–3 mins.
- Transfer to greased baking dish, top with cheddar.
- Bake 20–25 mins until golden and bubbling.
- Let rest 5 mins before serving.
📝 Notes
- Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for variation.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Serve with green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 25g 🧈
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbs: 6g 🥦
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g 🍗
Sodium: 450mg
Sugar: 3g
Simple Low Carb Casseroles
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a comforting and healthy meal with this Simple Low Carb Casseroles recipe. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Easy to make, flavorful, and low in carbs, it’s a cozy dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml heavy cream
- 150g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until golden.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until lightly browned.
- Toss in zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook 3–5 mins.
- Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle thyme, simmer 2–3 mins.
- Transfer to greased baking dish, top with cheddar.
- Bake 20–25 mins until golden and bubbling.
- Let rest 5 mins before serving.
Notes
Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for variation. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Serve with green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 casserole portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 80
Conclusion
Making Simple Low Carb Casseroles is more than just preparing dinner it’s about filling your home with warmth, love, and delicious aromas. Each casserole is a small celebration of family and friends gathered together, sharing stories and laughter. Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated; with simple ingredients, a little care, and a dash of love, you can create meals that comfort the soul and nourish the body. I hope this recipe inspires you to make your own low carb casseroles and create your own cherished memories around the table.