Description
This delicious crustless pizza recipe offers all the classic flavors of traditional pizza without the carb-heavy crust, making it perfect for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. Featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup low-carb marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 12–15 slices pepperoni
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Meat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat. Stir and break apart the meat as it browns until fully cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked meat in the skillet. Cook together for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly and release their flavors.
- Assemble the Pizza Layer: Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet or transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking. Pour the low-carb marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the top of the meat and veggies, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Then, layer the sliced black olives and pepperoni evenly across the cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Bake and Brown: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and fully heated through. For a golden, slightly crisp finish on top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the crustless pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly so it sets better. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped basil if desired for a hint of heat and fresh herbal flavor. Cut into servings and enjoy warm.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for keto and low-carb diets due to the absence of traditional pizza crust.
- You can customize your pizza by adding toppings like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or spinach as desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 dish (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
