If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the comfort and flavor of pizza without the heavy crust, this Crustless Pizza Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s packed with savory ground turkey, melty cheeses, vibrant veggies, and that irresistible pizza sauce, all baked together to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re watching carbs, craving a lighter meal, or just looking to mix things up in the kitchen, this recipe offers all the delight of classic pizza with a fresh twist that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your crustless pizza. Each component plays an important role, from the rich cheeses to the aromatic seasoning, ensuring every bite is satisfying and delicious.
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey: A lighter alternative to beef that adds protein without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings a subtle richness and helps cook the turkey until perfectly tender.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant kick that wakes up the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the meat with warm, familiar pizza vibes.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated): Melts smoothly into the meat mixture for creamy indulgence.
- 1/2 cup keto pizza sauce: Tangy and robust, it’s the heart of any pizza and keeps this dish saucy and bright.
- 4 small mushrooms (chopped): Add an earthy note and a delightful bite.
- 1/4 cup olives (sliced): A salty punch that complements the other toppings beautifully.
- 8 slices pepperoni: Classic, spicy slices that bring that iconic pizza flavor.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (grated): The ultimate topping for that wonderfully gooey, golden finish.
How to Make Crustless Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F) so it’s nice and hot for baking. Meanwhile, get a skillet ready—this will be the base for your crustless masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey with Garlic and Seasoning
Warm the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant. Toss in the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula as it cooks through in about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned and no longer pink, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to infuse that classic pizza flavor.
Step 3: Stir in Cheddar Cheese and Add the Sauce
Take the skillet off the heat and stir the grated cheddar cheese into the ground meat mixture until nicely combined. Next, spread the keto pizza sauce evenly on top—this sauce really brings everything together with its rich and tangy goodness.
Step 4: Layer on the Toppings
Scatter the chopped mushrooms and sliced olives over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices to cover the surface. These toppings not only give a lovely variety of flavors but also create that true pizza experience.
Step 5: Finish with Mozzarella and Bake
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over everything. Pop the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and irresistibly gooey.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Immediately
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Slice into four hearty portions, and serve your crustless pizza while it’s warm and cheesy—ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Crustless Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, try topping your crustless pizza with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bright, aromatic boost. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious finish that makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complement the richness of the pizza while keeping your meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your crustless pizza in individual ramekins or small skillets for personal portions. You can also enjoy it alongside some garlic-infused cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a handheld delight that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any remaining crustless pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them ideal for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your crustless pizza in a preheated oven at 175C (350F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals but be mindful it may slightly soften the cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in this Crustless Pizza Recipe and will lend a bit more richness to the dish. Just be sure to choose a lean option for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Yes, this crustless pizza is perfect for keto since it skips the traditional carb-heavy dough and is loaded with protein, fats from cheese, and low-carb veggies.
Can I substitute the cheeses used in the recipe?
Definitely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide the classic melty texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, or even a dairy-free alternative to suit your taste and dietary needs.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply replace the ground turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or sauté extra mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers to keep the hearty texture and rich flavors without meat.
What can I do if I don’t have a skillet that goes in the oven?
You can cook the turkey mixture in a regular pan, then transfer everything to an oven-safe baking dish before adding toppings and baking. Just make sure your chosen dish can handle the oven temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that surprises you with how much flavor and fun it packs into such a simple and clever format. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy pizza night without the extra carbs, and it’s so quick and easy to make that it can become a regular favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “extra cheese, please!”
Print
Crustless Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Crustless Pizza recipe is a low-carb, protein-packed alternative to traditional pizza made with a flavorful ground turkey base topped with veggies, cheeses, and pepperoni. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal without the added carbs from a crust.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey (ground beef can be used as substitute)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 small mushrooms, chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 8 slices pepperoni
Cheeses
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup keto pizza sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200C (400F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crustless pizza.
- Cook the turkey base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a rubber spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Add cheese and toppings: Remove skillet from heat and stir grated cheddar cheese into the cooked turkey. Spread the keto pizza sauce evenly on top of the turkey and cheese mixture. Then, layer with chopped mushrooms, sliced olives, and pepperoni slices. Finally, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove skillet from oven, slice the crustless pizza into four portions, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef if preferred.
- Feel free to add or swap toppings like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for variety.
- If you don’t have a keto pizza sauce, use a low-sugar tomato sauce.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transfer directly to the oven for baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or microwave.
