Name: Crustless Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound lean ground turkey (ground beef can be used as an alternative); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1/2 cup keto pizza sauce; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 4 small mushrooms, chopped; 1/4 cup olives, sliced; 8 slices pepperoni

Jump to Recipe·4 from 67 reviews

If you love the idea of sinking your teeth into a classic pizza but want to skip the carbs and the crust hassle, this Crustless Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with all the flavors of a traditional pizza—melty cheese, savory meat, and zesty sauce—without the crust getting in the way. Plus, it cooks fast in just one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving that warm, comforting pizza experience without the guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with finely riced cauliflower sits on the left side, next to a white scalloped bowl full of shredded yellow cheese. Beside it, a white scalloped bowl holds sliced white mushrooms, and a small white bowl full of chopped red bell peppers sits further right. A shallow white bowl displays slices of red salami. In the center is a beige frying pan containing raw pink minced meat with some yellow oil pooling underneath. Two small white cups hold coarse salt and ground black pepper, and finely chopped garlic, respectively. All items rest on a grey surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this delightful dish. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, creating a pizza experience that feels indulgent but stays low-carb and fuss-free.

1/2 pound lean ground turkey: A lean protein base that cooks quickly and offers a tender, savory foundation.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat perfectly for that appetizing flavor.
1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates all the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A vibrant blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic pizza flavor notes.
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully into the meat layer.
1/2 cup keto pizza sauce: Tangy and thick, this sauce is low in carbs but big on traditional tomato flavor.
4 small mushrooms, chopped: Adds earthy texture and balances the richness.
1/4 cup olives, sliced: Salty bursts of flavor that complement the cheesy, meaty base perfectly.
8 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that crisps up in the oven for added texture and spice.
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: The finishing touch, melting into a golden bubbly top that’s pure perfection.

How to Make Crustless Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F). This ensures your pizza gets that fantastic bubbly finish once baked. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about one minute until it’s fragrant and golden, setting the flavor stage for your crustless delight.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Add the ground turkey to the skillet and use a rubber spatula to break it apart. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the meat loses its pink and starts to brown. The sizzling meat is where the magic begins. Stir in the Italian seasoning to coat every bite with that unforgettable pizza herb goodness.

Step 3: Add Cheddar Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the grated cheddar cheese while the meat is still hot. This melts the cheese into the meat, creating a rich, gooey layer that acts like the “crust” in this recipe—without any actual dough involved!

Step 4: Layer the Toppings

Now, spread your keto pizza sauce evenly over the cheddar-infused meat layer. Then scatter the chopped mushrooms and sliced olives across the top, laying the pepperoni slices over those. This colorful, flavorful mosaic of toppings is what makes every forkful feel indulgent.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on the very top and pop the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns a gorgeous golden-brown color. This step ensures every topping melts into a harmonious slice of pizza heaven.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove your crustless pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then slice it into four hearty portions right in the skillet, and serve immediately while it’s delightfully warm and cheesy.

How to Serve Crustless Pizza Recipe

A round pizza in a silver pan with a gold handle sits on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The pizza has one layer of melted golden cheese with many dark brown spots where it is baked more, scattered green parsley bits on top, and six evenly spaced red pepperoni slices around the pizza near the center and edges. Some mushrooms and small bits of tomato are visible beneath the cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh garnishes take this dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or oregano to add a burst of herbal brightness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes brings a spicy kick that complements the pepperoni perfectly. Drizzling just a little extra virgin olive oil adds shine and richness to each serving.

Side Dishes

This crustless pizza stands out on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh, light sides. A crisp leafy green salad tossed with simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, meaty base. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus offer a nutrient-packed, low-carb accompaniment that’s tasty and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve it right out of the skillet for that cozy, rustic vibe everyone loves. If entertaining friends, portion out slices onto individual plates and add a small ramekin of extra pizza sauce for dipping. You can also layer the ingredients in small cast-iron skillets for personalized mini crustless pizzas—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crustless pizza stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it makes for a delicious next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooled pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, pop portions into a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese starts to bubble again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful crisp edge on the pepperoni and fresh texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in this Crustless Pizza Recipe if you prefer a richer, beefier flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content and drain any excess grease if needed.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Yes, this recipe is perfectly keto-friendly since it skips the carb-heavy crust and focuses on protein, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the meat and add extra mushrooms, olives, or even some sautéed spinach to keep it flavorful and satisfying without meat.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully for this recipe. You can also experiment with provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile that still melts well.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

You can, but look for a low-sugar or keto-friendly option to keep the Crustless Pizza Recipe aligned with its low-carb flair. Homemade or specialty sauces work great too and let you control the seasoning.

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Pizza Recipe is a game-changer, especially when you want all the joy of pizza night without the carbs weighing you down. Its quick prep, comforting flavors, and endless customization options make it one to bookmark and recreate often. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that perfect pizza indulgence, crust not included!