Crustless Pizza: The Ultimate Guide to Low-Carb Pizza Perfection

Crustless Pizza: the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers! Imagine sinking your teeth into all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza, without the extra carbs and effort of making (or ordering!) a crust. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a revelation for busy families, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who simply loves pizza in its purest form.

While the exact origins of crustless pizza are debated, its popularity has exploded in recent years as people seek out healthier and gluten-free alternatives to traditional pizza. It cleverly reimagines the classic Italian dish, focusing on the flavorful toppings and eliminating the need for a doughy base. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza, where the ingredients shine without the distraction of a crust.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and health benefits. You get the satisfying taste of melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, all baked to bubbly perfection. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or a loaded meat lover’s version, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, guilt-free way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. First, we need to brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for preventing a greasy final product!
2. Now, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to our pizza.
3. Next, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let mine simmer for about 30 minutes for the best results. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the pizza cooks evenly.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The eggs will act as a binder, helping the cheese hold together and creating a “crust” for our pizza.

Assembling and Baking the Crustless Pizza:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil. This will prevent the pizza from sticking to the dish.
2. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base of our crustless pizza. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer.
3. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer. Spread it out so that it covers the entire cheese base.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce. This will create a delicious, melty cheese topping.
5. Now, it’s time to add your favorite pizza toppings! Sprinkle the sliced black olives, pepperoni (if using), mushrooms (if using), and green onions (if using) over the cheese. Get creative and add any other toppings you love!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pizza is heated through. The edges should be slightly golden brown.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will make it easier to cut and prevent it from falling apart.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little extra heat.
• Add vegetables! Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
• Use different cheeses! Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
• Make it vegetarian! Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add vegetarian meat substitutes.
• Add a creamy layer! Before adding the meat sauce, spread a layer of ricotta cheese or cream cheese over the cheese base.
• Use Italian sausage! Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casing before browning.
• Make it a breakfast pizza! Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and add scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese.
• Prep ahead! You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.
• Freezing instructions! You can freeze the baked crustless pizza for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Serving suggestions! Serve the crustless pizza with a side salad or garlic bread.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef (90% lean) to minimize the amount of grease. However, you can use any type of ground beef you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Onion: A yellow onion is my go-to for this recipe, but you can also use a white onion or even a red onion for a slightly different flavor.
• Green Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the pizza. You can also use other colors of bell pepper, such as red, yellow, or orange.
• Tomato Sauce and Paste: These are the base of our pizza sauce. I recommend using a good quality tomato sauce and paste for the best flavor.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs add a classic Italian flavor to the pizza. You can also use fresh oregano and basil, but you’ll need to use about three times the amount.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the pizza. You can also use fresh garlic, minced, but be careful not to burn it.
• Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the pizza. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the classic pizza cheese. I recommend using shredded mozzarella cheese for easy melting. You can also use fresh mozzarella, but be sure to slice it thinly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the pizza. I recommend using grated Parmesan cheese.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a salty, briny flavor to the pizza.
• Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is a classic pizza topping.
• Mushrooms: Chopped mushrooms add an earthy flavor to the pizza.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the pizza.
• Eggs: The eggs act as a binder, helping the cheese hold together and creating a “crust” for our pizza. Be sure to lightly beat them before adding them to the cheese mixture.

Troubleshooting:

• Pizza is too watery: Make sure you drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the meat sauce to help thicken it.
• Cheese is not melting: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also broil the pizza for a minute or two at the end of baking to help the cheese melt and brown. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
• Pizza is sticking to the dish: Make sure you grease the baking dish well before adding the cheese mixture. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Pizza is not cooked through: Bake the pizza for a longer period of time, checking it every few minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Nutritional Information (approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 30-40g

Enjoy your delicious and easy crustless pizza! I hope you and your

Conclusion:

So there you have it! Our Crustless Pizza recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a delicious, versatile, and guilt-free way to enjoy all the flavors you love about pizza without the carbs. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier alternative, a gluten-free option, or simply a fun and creative way to use up leftover veggies.

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – a sharp provolone, a creamy fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese would all be fantastic. And don’t be afraid to get adventurous with your toppings! Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even grilled chicken or shrimp would all make delicious additions.

For serving suggestions, I personally love to serve this Crustless Pizza with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the pizza perfectly. You could also cut it into smaller squares and serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Looking for variations? How about a Mexican-inspired version with chorizo, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cilantro? Or a Mediterranean twist with feta cheese, olives, and oregano? The possibilities are truly endless! You could even make individual mini crustless pizzas in muffin tins for a fun and portion-controlled snack.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s so simple to make, so satisfying to eat, and so easy to customize to your own personal preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!

But don’t just take my word for it. I encourage you to give this Crustless Pizza recipe a try yourself. I’ve poured my heart into creating a recipe that’s both delicious and accessible, and I truly believe you’ll love it.

And once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! What toppings did you use? What variations did you try? Did you make any modifications to the recipe? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’re making this recipe your own.

I’m so excited for you to embark on this crustless pizza adventure. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and happy. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create! Remember to tag me in your photos on social media so I can see your amazing creations. Let’s spread the crustless pizza love!

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