Crustless Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving that cheesy, meaty goodness we all love in a slice of pizza but aiming to skip the carbs, this crustless pizza is about to steal your heart. It captures everything delicious about pizza—the savory meat, bubbling cheese, punchy sauce, and classic toppings—yet comes together lightning fast in a single skillet. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a lower-carb comfort meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this totally irresistible crustless pizza is as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of pantry staples and your favorite pizza toppings, this crustless pizza proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list for big flavor. Each component brings something important to the final bite, from hearty protein to a rich, melty cheese topping.

• Ground turkey: Lean and mild, ground turkey forms the meaty base and soaks up all the pizza flavors beautifully. Feel free to use ground beef for extra richness.
• Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps the ground meat brown to perfection.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire skillet with deep, savory aroma.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings classic pizza flavor in one easy scoop.
• Cheddar cheese: Mildly sharp, cheddar melts into the meat and adds a creamy, tangy background.
• Keto pizza sauce: Sweet, tangy, and low on sugar, it gives this crustless pizza its signature taste.
• Mushrooms: Sliced small, mushrooms add earthiness and soak up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
• Olives: Briny, sliced olives bring pops of salty flavor in each mouthful.
• Pepperoni: Adds smoky, spicy flavor and that classic pizza vibe we all crave!
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for those gorgeous, golden cheese bubbles that make every pizza irresistible.

How to Make Crustless Pizza

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F). Drizzle olive oil into a large, oven-safe skillet and warm it over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and cook for just about a minute, letting that savory aroma bloom. Next comes the ground turkey (or beef)—add it to the pan and use a spatula to break up the meat as it browns. Stir in the Italian seasonings and let the flavors marry for another couple of minutes until the meat is no longer pink and beautifully fragrant.

Step 2: Add Cheddar and Build Layers

Remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle in the grated cheddar cheese. Stir it through the meat, so it melts, creating a luscious base. Pour the keto pizza sauce evenly across the top, spreading it gently so you get perfect saucy coverage in every slice.

Step 3: Layer on Toppings

Add chopped mushrooms and sliced olives across the surface, then arrange the pepperoni slices however you like—neatly in rows or scattered with abandon for a rustic feel. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, which will melt into that bubbly, golden pizza finish in the oven.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the crustless pizza for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and edged with beautiful golden spots. Let it cool just a minute or two before slicing right in the pan—then serve up satisfaction by the steaming, cheesy forkful.

How to Serve Crustless Pizza

Garnishes

The right garnishes can elevate your crustless pizza experience from “yum” to absolute bliss. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds vibrant color and a fresh hit of flavor. If you’re a fan of a little heat, try scattering some crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili oil. Even a bit of grated Parmesan or black pepper over the gooey cheese is never a bad idea!

Side Dishes

Pair this crustless pizza with a fresh side salad—think peppery arugula, crisp romaine, or even a classic Caesar for something extra hearty. If you’re keeping things low-carb, roasted veggies like zucchini or broccoli make a colorful, satisfying side. For a cozier spread, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup to dip bites of your pizza right in the broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your crustless pizza by making individual portions in small cast iron pans or ramekins—a great way to let everyone add their own toppings. You can also scoop the pizza filling into lettuce cups or slather it over roasted eggplant rounds for a fun twist. For sharing, serve straight from the skillet at the center of the table and let friends dive in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra crustless pizza (lucky you!), let it cool completely before covering the skillet or transferring slices into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days—perfect for easy, ready-to-reheat lunches or midnight snacks.

Freezing

This crustless pizza freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, slice portions as you like and place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 6 months. To prevent sticking, separate layers with parchment paper. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need dinner in a flash!

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 30-40 seconds until warm and melty. For the best texture (especially if you love gooey cheese and crispy edges), warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about 10 minutes. Either way, your crustless pizza will taste nearly as good as it did the first time around.

FAQs

Can I make crustless pizza vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey or beef for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based meat. Pile on more veggies like roasted peppers or spinach to amp up the flavor and nutrition.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought pizza sauce (especially the lower-sugar or keto varieties) works beautifully. If you have a favorite homemade version, go for it, but don’t stress—it’s all about ease and taste here.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to get creative! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Mixing cheeses makes the topping gooier and more flavorful.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

Not at all—a heavy, oven-safe skillet works great. If yours isn’t oven-safe, transfer the sautéed meat mixture to a baking dish before adding your sauce, toppings, and cheese, then bake as directed.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Kids (and grown-ups!) love it because the flavors are familiar and customizable. Let little ones choose their own toppings for extra fun, and you might just find yourself making this crustless pizza on repeat.

Final Thoughts

If you love all the joys of pizza night but want to skip the carbs or just try something new, this crustless pizza is proof you don’t need dough to deliver crowd-pleasing comfort. It’s cheesy, saucy, hearty, and ready in minutes—go on, give it a try and see how simple, flavorful, and fun pizza night can be!

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