Anti-Inflammatory 32g Protein Deep Dish Meat Lovers Pizza🍕

Yield: 8 slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients
High-Protein Deep Dish Crust
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup oat flour
½ cup almond flour
½ cup unflavored whey protein isolate
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp sea salt
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

High-Protein Meat Filling
1 lb (450g) 96% lean ground beef
8 oz (225g) lean ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup finely diced onion
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pizza Sauce
1½ cups no-sugar-added marinara sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder

Cheese Layer
2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
Optional Meat Lovers Toppings
2 oz turkey pepperoni
2 oz nitrate-free turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
¼ cup sliced mushrooms
¼ cup diced bell peppers

Garnish
Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
Red pepper flakes
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish springform pan or cast-iron skillet.

Blend together:

Cottage cheese
Eggs
Olive oil

until completely smooth.

In another bowl combine:

Oat flour
Almond flour
Whey protein
Ground flaxseed
Baking powder
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.

Press the dough evenly over the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides of the prepared pan.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook:

Ground beef
Ground turkey
Onion

for about 6–8 minutes.

Add:

Garlic
Smoked paprika
Oregano
Basil
Turmeric
Black pepper

Cook another minute.

Drain any excess liquid.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the blended cottage cheese over the partially baked crust.

Add half of the mozzarella.

Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the top, just like the pizza shown in the picture.

Finish with turkey pepperoni, turkey bacon, mushrooms, and bell peppers if using.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until:

The cheese is melted.
The crust is golden brown.
The sauce is bubbling.

Allow the pizza to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice)
Calories: 355
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Why It’s Anti-Inflammatory

This recipe incorporates several ingredients associated with an anti-inflammatory eating pattern:

Extra-virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Turmeric contributes curcumin, a well-studied anti-inflammatory compound.
Garlic and onions contain beneficial antioxidants and sulfur compounds.
Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that becomes more available when cooked.
Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley add natural polyphenols.
Flaxseed contributes plant-based omega-3 fats and fiber.
Lean beef and turkey offer high-quality protein while keeping saturated fat lower than traditional meat-lover pizzas.

Storage
Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza

Blend the cottage cheese until silky smooth for a tender, protein-rich crust.
Pre-bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy under the filling.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and the stretchy cheese pull shown in the picture.
Let the pizza rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set and each slice holds together.
Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, and a light sprinkle of oregano just before serving for the classic deep-dish look and fresh flavor.