If you love pizza but want to skip the carb-heavy crust, this Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine all the best parts of pizza — savory seasoned ground turkey, melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tangy keto pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms — coming together in one skillet. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving all the flavor without the dough. Whether you’re low-carb, keto, or just looking for a delicious, quick meal, this recipe will become a staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this crustless pizza just right means gathering simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their own flair and texture to the dish. From the lean protein to the sharp cheddar cheese and those meaty pepperoni slices, these ingredients work together to create a rich, balanced flavor feast.
- Lean ground turkey (1/2 pound): Use lean turkey for a light, protein-packed base that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic just right.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the meat with aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- Italian seasonings (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that lifts the savory flavors and gives the dish its authentic pizza vibe.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings sharpness and creaminess as it melts into the turkey mixture.
- Keto pizza sauce (1/2 cup): A tangy, low-carb sauce that perfectly replaces traditional pizza tomato sauce without added sugars.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, grated): The gooey topping that bubbles and browns beautifully in the oven.
- Small mushrooms (4, chopped): Earthy and tender, they add texture and enhance umami notes.
- Olives (1/4 cup, sliced): Briny bursts that balance the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Pepperoni slices (8): Classic pizza pepperoni to add that spicy, crispy, irresistible finishing touch.
How to Make Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Starting off right is key, so preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that once the pizza is assembled, the cheese will melt perfectly and the top will develop that irresistible golden crust. Preheating also cuts down total cooking time.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until fragrant—this little step brings an enticing aroma that sets the tone for the rest of the dish. Next, add the lean ground turkey and break it apart with your spatula as it cooks for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it has turned completely opaque. Stir in the Italian seasonings to coat the meat with those signature herbaceous flavors.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheddar Cheese and Assemble the Pizza
Once your turkey is cooked through, take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in the grated cheddar cheese. This creates a creamy blend that clings to the meat. Next, spread your keto pizza sauce evenly on top, layering in the mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni slices. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over everything — this is your cheesy crown that will bubble and brown in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Your Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe
Now comes the exciting part: transfer the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, watching as the mozzarella melts into golden, bubbly perfection. The aromas coming from your oven will be irresistible, signaling your crustless pizza is nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Slice the crustless pizza into four hearty servings. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey cheese and warm, savory meat mixture at their best. This dish is comfort food elevated, all without the carb-heavy crust.
How to Serve Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to brighten up the dish with a touch of color and herbal freshness. A little cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant kick if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
Because this crustless pizza is filling and packed with protein, pairing it with a light side salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced. Roasted garlic asparagus or steamed broccoli make great veggie companions that don’t overpower your main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this crustless pizza inside individual cast-iron skillets or mini baking dishes for personal portions. You can also spoon it over a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice to make a low-carb “pizza bowl” that encourages guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crustless pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or reheat dinners during busy weekdays.
Freezing
This Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into individual containers or wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to bring back the melted cheese texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the cheese won’t re-melt as nicely and the texture may suffer.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if you prefer a richer flavor or simply want to switch things up. Just make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish from getting too greasy.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe is designed to be low in carbs and keto-friendly by skipping the traditional crust and using keto-approved pizza sauce.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely. Feel free to customize with bell peppers, spinach, or even artichoke hearts. Just be sure to keep the toppings low-carb if you are following keto guidelines.
What type of pan is best to use?
A skillet that is oven-safe, like cast iron or oven-proof non-stick, works best for this recipe. It allows you to easily cook the meat and then bake the pizza right in the same pan for minimal cleanup.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base flavors are mild and savory, but if you like spice, adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy pepperoni will turn up the heat beautifully to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without any guilt or the carbs of a crust. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with this hearty, cheesy, savory dish as much as I have. It’s an easy meal that feels indulgent and comforting every single time!
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Crustless Pizza with Ground Turkey, Cheddar, and Pepperoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crustless Pizza is a quick and delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, featuring seasoned ground turkey cooked with garlic and Italian herbs, layered with keto-friendly pizza sauce, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup keto pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Toppings
- 4 small mushrooms, chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 8 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground turkey (or ground beef) and break it apart with a spatula, cooking for 4–5 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in the Italian seasonings to evenly flavor the meat.
- Add Cheese and Assemble: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until well combined with the cooked meat. Spread the keto pizza sauce evenly over the mixture, then layer chopped mushrooms, sliced olives, and pepperoni slices on top. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake: Place the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, ensuring the toppings are heated through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Slice the crustless pizza into four portions and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey keeps the dish lower in fat but ground beef can be used for richer flavor.
- Keto pizza sauce is usually low in sugar and carbs; regular pizza sauce can be substituted if preferred.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the absence of traditional pizza crust.
- For added vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or spinach with the mushrooms.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
