Crustless Pizza
Crustless pizza offers a cheesy, flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, combining seasoned ground beef, marinara, and melted mozzarella with fresh vegetables and optional pepperoni. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a satisfying dish for pizza lovers seeking a hearty, crust-free option.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tomato catsup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp grated onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp bread crumbs ⓘ
- 4 drops hot red pepper sauce ⓘ
- dried oregano to taste ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese grated
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 green pepper sliced into rings ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Beat the egg in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add ground beef, tomato catsup, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, hot red pepper sauce, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Mix thoroughly with a fork.
- Pat the meat mixture evenly into a 12-inch pizza pan.
- Bake for 7 minutes or longer until no longer pink.
- Spread marinara sauce over the cooked meat.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Top with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Arrange green pepper rings, sliced mushrooms, and pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Broil for 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of ground beef or adding your favorite veggies like mushrooms or olives. If you're short on time, pre-cooked meats can also work well. Instead of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be used for binding. Adjust the spices to your preference, possibly adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning for more depth.
Serving Suggestions
This crustless pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of marinara for dipping. It also complements other hearty dishes like Grandma Gregory's Goulash or Stuffed Bread, making it a versatile option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness. This dish can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it well before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crustless Pizza contains roughly 729 calories, with 22g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well, as this will enhance your crustless pizza's overall texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply omit the bread crumbs or use gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Always check labels for hidden gluten in sauces and other ingredients to ensure the dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this pizza in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the toppings right before baking to maintain freshness. This makes it a great option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).