Keto Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our Keto Crustless Pizza Bake recipe—a low-carb, flavorful twist on traditional pizza that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. This dish features all the delicious elements of a classic pizza, including a rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings, without the carbohydrates found in a traditional crust. Ideal for those on a keto diet or anyone looking for a hearty, gluten-free meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. In this detailed guide, you will find all the information needed to create this delectable dish, from ingredient measurements to step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken, for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium onion (or 70 grams, finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 50 grams)
  • 1 large egg (beaten, to bind the mixture)

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 100 grams)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (or 60 grams)
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (or 75 grams, any color)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (or 50 grams)
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onions (or 30 grams)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 10 grams, for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Base:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the pizza bake will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection.
  2. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Season the Mixture: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to incorporate the spices into the meat mixture.
  5. Add Cheese and Egg: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Then, mix in 1 beaten large egg to bind the mixture together.
  6. Prepare the Base Layer: Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form the base layer.

Making the Pizza Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired.
  2. Season the Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the pizza sauce over the meat base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon.

Adding the Toppings:

  1. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.
  2. Add Vegetables: Distribute 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup sliced red onions over the cheese.
  3. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the vegetables if desired.

Baking and Serving:

  1. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  2. Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving.
  3. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or portions as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your keto-friendly pizza bake.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Pair this crustless pizza bake with a fresh green salad or a side of sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
  • Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 22g

SmartPoints (WW Points)

  • SmartPoints Value: 6 points per serving (based on a standard serving size and WW guidelines; values may vary based on specific ingredients).

Tips for Success

  1. Use Lean Meat: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This can reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
  2. Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other great options include spinach, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  3. Ensure Even Cooking: Spread the meat mixture and sauce evenly to ensure that the pizza bake cooks uniformly.
  4. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bake towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the cheese does not over-brown.
  5. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce or additional red pepper flakes.
  6. Storage and Reheating: For best results, store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture, or use a microwave for convenience.

Conclusion

Our Keto Crustless Pizza Bake offers a perfect combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures, all while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly. With its rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings, this dish provides all the pizza comfort you crave without the carbs. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a low-carb treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, guilt-free pizza bake!