Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe
If you are craving pizza but want to skip the traditional crust, you are absolutely going to love this Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe. It’s a blissful combination of savory ground turkey, melty cheeses, and vibrant toppings coming together in a skillet that’s baked to bubbling perfection. Not only does it cut down on carbs, but it also brings an incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness of pizza without any of the crust fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one in this Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe brings its own magic—whether it’s the lean, tender turkey adding protein, the rich blend of cheeses creating gooey delight, or the Italian seasonings giving it that classic flavor punch. These essentials come together effortlessly for a taste that’s both comforting and fresh.
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey: Provides a hearty protein base that’s flavorful and light.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds smooth richness for sautéing and helps lock in moisture.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that elevates the turkey’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to give that authentic pizza taste.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated: Brings sharpness and meltiness to the turkey mixture.
- 1/2 cup keto pizza sauce: A low-carb tomato base that’s tangy and sweet.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: The classic gooey finish that every pizza deserves.
- 4 small mushrooms, chopped: Earthy bites that add texture and umami.
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced: Salty bursts that brighten every slice.
- 8 slices pepperoni: For that iconic pizza vibe and a little spicy zing.
How to Make Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Getting it adequately hot ensures a beautiful golden-brown finish and melty cheese topping without drying out your crustless creation. This is a quick step but crucial for that perfect bake.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it gently sauté until it’s fragrant but not browned, about one minute. Adding the ground turkey next, break it apart with your spatula and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse that mouthwatering herb flavor right into the meat—this step builds the recipe’s savory foundation.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Assemble
Once the turkey is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed and starting to melt into the meat. Then, spread the keto pizza sauce on top to add a bright, tangy layer. Arrange the chopped mushrooms, sliced olives, and pepperoni over the sauce, creating layers of flavor and texture. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top—this will be your crowning glory.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer the entire skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch closely as the mozzarella melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that signals your crustless pizza is ready. This oven time melds all the flavors perfectly and gives the cheese that irresistible, stretchy finish.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and let it sit for a moment before slicing. Divide into four portions to share or savor solo. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melting—this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
How to Serve Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also add a nuanced kick that perfectly complements the rich cheese and savory meat.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts make a hearty, nutritious side, while a simple bowl of marinated olives or pickles adds a tangy contrast that cleanses the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, shareable experience, serve the Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe family-style right in the skillet, letting everyone dig in with their own plates. Alternatively, place slices on small wooden boards for a rustic, pizzeria vibe. You can also customize each portion with different toppings or garnishes to please every taste bud at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they might not last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain moisture and keeps all those layers of flavor intact for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy the gooey cheese and savory meat just like fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool your crustless pizza completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, which makes it a convenient meal option for busy days when you want something delicious in a flash.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through and the cheese starts to bubble again, around 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery. If you do microwave, add a damp paper towel over the slice to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great alternative that adds a richer flavor. Just follow the same cooking instructions for the meat, and you’ll have a delicious crustless pizza with a slightly different taste profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, it’s perfect for keto since it eliminates the carb-heavy crust and uses a low-carb pizza sauce. The combination of protein and fats from the meats and cheeses keeps it keto-friendly and satisfying.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, onions, or even artichokes. Just chop them small and add them alongside the mushrooms and olives before baking.
What if I don’t have a skillet that goes into the oven?
No worries! You can assemble everything in an oven-safe baking dish and bake as directed. Just make sure it’s shallow enough to get that lovely cheese browning on top.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cheddar and mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Using a dairy-free cheese that melts well will help you still enjoy the creamy texture that makes this pizza so fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe is an absolute winner when you want that classic pizza flavor without the crust. It’s straightforward, quick, and packed with tasty ingredients that turn a simple dish into something special. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience how wonderfully comforting and satisfying a crustless pizza can be. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Crustless Turkey and Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Crustless Pizza Recipe offers a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza by using seasoned ground turkey as the base. Topped with mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and classic pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni, it’s a quick and savory dish ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a keto-friendly meal that satisfies pizza cravings without the crust.
Ingredients
Meat Base
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
Cheeses & 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 ensure it’s hot and ready when you finish assembling the pizza.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the ground turkey (or beef), breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir in Italian seasonings for flavor.
- Add Cheese and Assemble: Remove the skillet from heat. Gently mix the grated cheddar cheese into the cooked meat until well combined. Spread the keto pizza sauce evenly over the meat and cheese mixture, then layer chopped mushrooms, sliced olives, and pepperoni slices on top. Finish by sprinkling the grated mozzarella cheese all over the toppings.
- Bake: Place the entire skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top, indicating the pizza is ready to serve.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Slice the crustless pizza into four portions and serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey helps keep this dish lower in fat compared to ground beef, but beef can be used for richer flavor.
- Feel free to swap or add toppings like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to customize your pizza.
- If you don’t have a skillet safe for oven use, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This recipe is perfect for a keto or low-carb diet because it replaces traditional pizza crust with a protein-packed base.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
