Here is a low-carb pizza casserole recipe that every pizza lover will love! Plus it is made in the slow cooker! Super easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! Perfect for tailgating or any get together!


But there is a secret ingredient! Underneath all that cheese and pepperoni, there are hidden veggies!


Cauliflower! It has a neutral flavor so it is a great veggie to sneak in! If you don't want to use cauliflower, feel free to use any veggie combo you like such as assorted bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes. If you leave out the cauliflower, remember to add 1 more Green per serving to complete your Lean and Green meal! Enjoy!


Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:
1 lb uncooked 95 to 97% lean ground beef ~ 12 oz cooked (2 Leans)
1 tsp garlic powder (2 Condiments)
3/4 tsp salt (3 Condiments)
1/4 tsp black pepper (1/2 Condiment)
1 tsp dried oregano leaves (1 Condiment)
1 tsp dried basil leaves (1/2 Condiment)
2 cups roughly chopped fresh cauliflower (4 Greens)
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (4 Condiments)
* 4 cups Great Value Italian diced tomatoes, blended into a sauce or 2 cups approved marinara sauce (8 Greens)
1 and 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese with
2 oz turkey pepperoni slices, divided (2 Leans)

Directions:
Over medium high heat, cook ground beef in a large skillet. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain grease. Remove from heat.

Add dried oregano, dried basil, cauliflower, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce and 1 oz of turkey pepperoni that has been cut into fourths to the ground beef until combined. Pour into a slow cooker that has been sprayed lightly with cooking spray.

Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
Top with mozzarella cheese and additional 1 ounce of turkey pepperoni. Cook for an additional 30 min on HIGH or until cheese has melted.

4 Servings with
1 Lean, 3 Greens, and 3 Condiments per serving

 * Most marinara sauces are no longer approved on the 5 and 1 plan, but canned Italian diced tomatoes is approved. Look for a brand that is less than 5 g of carbs. I like to use Great Value brand. Just be mindful that canned veggies are higher in sodium.

 Guidelines for choosing a tomato sauce:

Tomato Sauce (per 1/4 cup serving)

 less than 50 calories
less than 5 g carbohydrates
less than 200 mg sodium
less than 3 g of fat


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These Sweet & Tangy Sloppy Joes are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with lean ground beef, a sugar-free sweet and tangy sauce, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is low carb, high protein, and Optavia Lean & Green friendly.


The bold flavor comes from yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar free syrup creating a sauce that tastes like a Carolina-style mustard BBQ. Serve these sloppy joes as lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or on cauliflower sandwich thins for an easy weeknight dinner that fits your weight-loss goals.


What Makes These Sloppy Joes Different?

The sweetness in this recipe comes from sugar free Pancake Syrup, a great alternative to honey or maple syrup when you’re watching sugar and calories. The tang comes from yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar, giving the sauce that bold, crave-worthy kick.

I originally discovered this recipe on MasonFit and made a few tweaks to better fit my low-carb and Optavia-friendly lifestyle. If you’re looking for more healthy comfort food ideas, definitely check out his site!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big comfort-food flavor without added sugar

  • Low carb & high protein, perfect for weight-loss focused eating

  • Quick and easy – ready in under 15 minutes

  • Flexible serving options (lettuce wraps, bowls, sandwich thins)

  • Optavia Lean & Green friendly with simple swaps

If you love Carolina mustard BBQ flavors, this one’s calling your name.

How to Make Sweet & Tangy Sloppy Joes



I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then mix together the sauce and let everything simmer for just a few minutes. That’s it. Super simple, super satisfying.

They’re amazing as lettuce wraps.


But let’s be real… they’re even better with a little cheese on top.


Or eaten straight from the bowl. No judgment here.


Also try it with Outer Aisle Gourmet Sandwich Thins! They make great taco shells! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without sugar free pancake syrup?

Yes! You can substitute a small amount of sugar-free honey or maple-style syrup, but this may change the condiment count.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to serve this low carb?

Lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or a salad bowl are all great options.

Is this recipe family-friendly?

Yes! If your family prefers a sweeter sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of syrup.



Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:
8.75 oz 93% lean ground beef, cooked and drained of fat
1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese 
Or use 10 oz of lean ground beef if omitting cheese

For the Sauce:
3 tbsp reduced sugar ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar free pancake syrup
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp salt

Directions:
Brown ground beef in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Drain fat and measure out 8.75 oz. Return to skillet. Save the rest for another use.

Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Pour sauce over ground beef. Heat skillet over low heat. Stir until combined. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 min or until heated thoroughly stirring often.

Divide mixture in half and top each portion with 2 tbsp cheese.

Makes 2 Servings
Each serving provides
1 Lean and 3 Condiments
(Add 3 Greens to make a complete Lean and Green meal)

Calories: 265, Protein: 32 g, Fat: 11 g, Carbs: 8 g

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on brands used, ingredient substitutions, and serving size.


Click Here to Print


Want to serve these with the Outer Aisle Sandwich Thins?
Divide the recipe into 3 servings instead of 2 servings. Each serving will provide 2/3 Lean with 2 Condiments. The sandwich thins count as 1/3 Lean and 2/3 of a Green so add 2 and 1/3 more Green to complete your Lean and Green meal!

Don't want cheese? 
Use 10 oz of cooked 93% lean ground beef as 2 Leans.

Want to enjoy a Chobani zero sugar yogurt later in the day? 
Leave out the cheese. Use 8.3 oz cooked 93% lean ground beef which counts as 1 and 2/3 Lean while the yogurt counts as 1/3 leanest.

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I am loving these quick and easy slow cooker meals! This Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken is so delicious! It uses only a few ingredients, but has a ton of flavor and is absolutely amazing! Eat this creamy chicken served with your favorite veggies, as chicken tacos, on top of cauliflower rice, or in salads! It is so versatile! Double the recipe and freeze the other half for later because it makes a great freezer meal!


I had this Green Chile Chicken two ways for the past two nights! The first night I had it with jicama shells (1 Green for 2 shells) that I picked up at Whole Foods Market in the produce section. The tortillas are made from raw jicama sliced thin. They are very mild tasting, and have a nice, crisp texture which make them a great alternative to traditional taco shells or tortillas. Plus they hold fillings perfectly!

The second night I had the chicken over cauliflower rice. Both ways were really yummy! I will definitely be adding this to my regular rotation! Enjoy the recipe! 


Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken

Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (4 Leaner)
2 (4 oz) cans chopped mild green chiles (2 Greens)
1 tsp garlic powder (2 Condiments)
1 tsp ground cumin (1 Condiment)
1 tsp chili powder (2 Condiments)
1/2 tsp salt (2 Condiments)
1/2 tsp black pepper (1 Condiment)
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (4 Healthy Fats)
1/4 cup regular sour cream (4 Condiments)

Directions:
Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the chicken with green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 1/2 hours.

When done, use forks to shred the chicken and mix with the juices. Stir the cream cheese into chicken and continue cooking for 30 more min on LOW. Then stir in sour cream until combined. Serve immediately.

*Freeze this meal for later! Place the chicken, chilies, and spices in a freezer safe ziploc bag. Label and freeze up until 6 months.

Thaw bag in fridge. Empty the bag into the slow cooker. Cook on Low 4 to 5 hours. 30 min before serving, shred the chicken and add the cream cheese. Continue cooking for 30 more min. Stir in sour cream at the end. Enjoy!

4 Servings (about 1 cup) with
1 Leaner, 1/2 Green (still need 2 1/2 Greens more such as 1 1/4 cup cauliflower rice), 3 Condiments, and 1 Healthy Fat per serving



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Who likes Chinese takeout? I DO!!!

Here is a healthier and tastier version of Cashew Chicken that comes straight from the slow cooker! 


Start off by cutting the chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces and then browning the chicken in a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray for about 3 to 4 min. Then add the chicken to a slow cooker along with the sauce. Cook on LOW for only 2 1/2 to 3 hours. This allows the chicken to marinate and absorb the yummy sauce while cooking.

You could always place whole chicken breasts in the slow cooker (skipping the browning step) with the sauce and cook for a longer amount of time, but this results in shredded chicken. Shredded chicken would be delicious on salads or lettuce wraps!


When the chicken is done cooking, divide into 3 portions with the sauce and garnish with cashews and thinly sliced green onions. There won't be a lot of sauce, but it makes yummy marinated chicken! Just make sure you do not overcook the chicken to prevent dryness. I chose to add the cashews at the end to individual portions for two reasons. I prefer the cashews to be crunchier when adding it as a garnish. Plus, it is easier to keep count of the correct portion size (1/3 ounce is 1 Healthy Fat) of the cashews when their not already mixed into the dish.

I served this dish with 1 1/2 cups of Trader Joe's fried cauliflower rice (3 Greens) and it was a delicious combination! Enjoy!


Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs or 24 oz raw chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces (3 Leaner)

For Sauce:
1/4 cup lite soy sauce (4 Condiments)
2 tbsp reduced sugar ketchup (2 Condiments)
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (1/2 Condiment)
1 packet of stevia or sweetener of choice (1 Condiment)
1 tsp minced garlic (1 Condiment)
1/4 tsp ground ginger (1/2 Condiment)

Garnish:
1 ounce cashews, chopped (3 Healthy Fats)
Sliced green onions ~ optional but subtract from your Greens if using

Directions:
Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray and season chicken with salt and pepper, if desired. Brown chicken in skillet, stirring occasionally for about 3 to 4 min. It will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Add chicken to the slow cooker.

Make the sauce. Combine soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sweetener of choice, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over chicken. Gently toss chicken with sauce to coat. Cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Since the chicken is browned in the skillet first, it doesn't need a lot of time in the slow cooker. This method results in moist cubed chunks of chicken.

Garnish with 1/3 ounce of chopped cashews and sliced green onions per serving. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

3 Servings with
1 Leaner, 3 Condiments, and 1 Healthy Fat per serving

*Add 3 Greens to complete your Lean and Green meal. 1 1/2 cups of grated cauliflower or 1 1/2 cups of steamed tri -color cabbage are great options!

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Fall at our house means cozy soup nights, football on TV, and something warm simmering in the crock pot.

This Creamy Crock Pot Beef Taco Soup is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into our healthy routine. I lightened it up with less cream cheese and creamy Greek yogurt, so you still get that rich taco-soup texture without all the extra fat and calories.

A little Hidden Valley ranch seasoning adds the perfect zip, and topped with cheddar and cilantro… wow. This one is comfort food magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✔️ Lean & Green friendly – perfect for weight-loss goals

  • ✔️ Slow cooker easy – dump, cook, done

  • ✔️ High-protein & filling – helps prevent night cravings

  • ✔️ Family-approved – husband and the kids love it

  • ✔️ Meal-prep friendly – freezes beautifully

Optavia Lean & Green Info

Per Serving:

  • ✔️ 1 Leaner

  • ✔️ 1 Green

  • ✔️ 3 Condiments

  • ✔️ 1 Healthy Fat

Add 2 more Greens on the side to complete your Lean & Green meal.

My favorite pairings:

  • Air-fried mini bell peppers

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Simple lettuce salad with salsa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze taco soup?

Absolutely. Freeze without cheese topping for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen taco soup?

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1 minute intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if needed.

How long does taco soup last in the fridge?

Store in an air tighten container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or the microwave.

Can I make this taco soup on the stovetop instead of the crock pot?

Yes! Simmer all ingredients in a large pot for 30 to 40 minutes, then stir in Greek yogurt before serving.

What toppings go well with taco soup?

Try shredded lettuce, avocado, cilantro, light sour cream or reduced fat cheddar cheese.


Crock Pot Beef Taco Soup

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs 95 to 97% lean ground beef 
  • 4 1/2 ounces or 9 tbsp reduced fat cream cheese 
  • 2 (10 ounce) cans Rotel 
  • 1 tbsp low sodium taco seasoning 
  • 2 tsp Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix 
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 
  • 3/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt 
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded 
  • 5 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain grease.

2. Add to Crock Pot

Place cooked beef in slow cooker. Add cream cheese, Rotel, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning. Stir.

3. Add Broth

Pour chicken broth over mixture and stir again.

4. Slow Cook

Cook on LOW 4 hours or HIGH 2 hours.

5. Make It Creamy

Before serving, stir in Greek yogurt until smooth.

6. Portion

Divide into 5 servings (about 2 cups each).

7. Add Toppings

Top each bowl with cheddar cheese and cilantro.


Makes 5 Servings

Each serving ≈ 1 Leaner • 1 Green • 3 Condiments • 1 Healthy Fat

(Add 2 more Greens on the side)


Calories: 340, Protein: 39 g, Carbs: 9 g, Fat: 15 g


Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on brands used, ingredient substitutions, and serving size.


Click Here to Print


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