If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic pizza without the carb-heavy crust, this Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine all the rich flavors of a traditional pizza—savory ground turkey, zesty Italian seasonings, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni—baked together in a skillet without any crust to weigh it down. It’s a satisfying, low-carb delight that’s quick to make, packed with protein, and perfect for those busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own layer of flavor, texture, and color to your crustless pizza. From the lean turkey to the cheesy blend and flavorful toppings, every component works together to create a mouthwatering meal.
- Lean ground turkey (1/2 pound): Provides a healthy, protein-packed base that keeps things light but hearty.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the garlic and turkey beautifully.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Gives a fragrant punch that’s essential in any Italian-inspired dish.
- Italian seasonings (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that infuses the meat with classic pizza flair.
- Grated cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the turkey for creamy, sharp goodness.
- Keto pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Keeps the dish low-carb while delivering tangy tomato flavor.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Tops the pizza with gooey, bubbly perfection.
- Chopped small mushrooms (4): Adds earthiness and texture.
- Sliced olives (1/4 cup): Brings salty, briny pops of flavor.
- Pepperoni slices (8): Classic pizza topping with just the right amount of spice.
How to Make Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Getting it preheated now means you can seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven to bake your crustless pizza to cheesy perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it smells incredible. Then add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula, cooking until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasonings to coat the meat evenly, ensuring that familiar pizza herb flavor shines through.
Step 3: Combine Cheese, Sauce, and Toppings
Once the turkey mixture is done, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the grated cheddar cheese so it starts melting into the meat. Next, spread the keto pizza sauce evenly over the turkey layer. Now it’s time to add the mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni slices. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the top, setting the stage for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until you see the mozzarella cheese melt and bubble up with golden spots emerging. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes.
How to Serve Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate this dish even more. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a beautiful sheen and a hint of richness that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors.
Side Dishes
This crustless pizza works well alongside a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the cheese and meat beautifully. For an extra touch, roasted vegetables or garlic sautéed spinach complement the meal without overpowering the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe that invites everyone to dig in. You can also portion it onto individual plates topped with fresh herbs or even spoon some additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping. It’s fun to make it interactive and personal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover crustless turkey and pepperoni pizza to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this pizza freezes beautifully. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, pop the pizza into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you can to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well and adds a slightly richer flavor. Just choose lean ground beef to keep it balanced, and follow the same cooking steps.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is perfect for keto since it skips the traditional crust and uses low-carb ingredients like keto-friendly pizza sauce and lean meats.
Can I add other toppings to this crustless pizza?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings such as bell peppers, onions, or even jalapeños to add crunch, sweetness, or heat. Just be mindful not to overload the skillet.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can cook the turkey mixture in any skillet, then transfer the cooked mixture to a small baking dish before adding toppings and cheese. Bake as directed until bubbly.
How long does the cooking process take from start to finish?
The prep and cook combined take about 15 to 20 minutes, making this a quick yet satisfying meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious dinner fast.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is such a refreshing take on a beloved classic, combining ease, flavor, and a diet-friendly approach in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for anyone who loves pizza but wants to skip the crust without sacrificing any of the joy. Give this recipe a try—you might be surprised at how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Crustless Turkey and Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crustless Pizza is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that uses seasoned ground turkey as the base instead of dough. Topped with savory keto-friendly pizza sauce, sautéed garlic, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it offers all the flavors of pizza without the crust. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free or low-carb meal, this easy-to-make dish comes together quickly on the stovetop and finishes baking in the oven to a bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Base
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) so it’s ready for finishing the pizza.
- Cook Meat Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground turkey (or beef) and break it apart with a spatula, cooking for 4–5 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in Italian seasonings.
- Add Cheese and Assemble Toppings: Remove skillet from the heat and gently stir in the grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed with the meat. Spread the keto pizza sauce over the top, then layer on mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten-free thanks to the crustless base.
- You can substitute ground beef in place of turkey if preferred.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your liking—add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Be sure to use an oven-safe skillet to transfer directly into the oven.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cheese to avoid burning.
