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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Easy Crustless Skillet Pizza

    Easy Crustless Skillet Pizza

    by: Anya·posted: Jan 3, 2018·updated: Apr 1, 2025·18 CommentsThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    A slice of pizza on a white plate, grated cheese in a clear bowl, and a crustless pizza in a pan on the side.

    Crustless pizza is a delicious low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza, with all of the flavor and none of the crust. This skillet pizza is loaded with protein and has all your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for a Meatzzza-style meal

    A slice of pizza on a white plate, grated cheese in a clear bowl, and a crustless pizza in a pan on the side.
    Looking for more one-pan meals?
    Check out ground beef and broccoli, chicken potato casserole, and garlic butter salmon.
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Overview
    • Ingredients for Crustless Pizza
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • How to Make Crustless Pizza
    • Helpful Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Printable Recipe

    Recipe Overview

    • Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook
    • Cooking Method: Oven-baked
    • Dietary Info: Keto, Primal, GAPS, Gluten-free
    • Tools Needed: large cast iron skillet
    • Skill Level: Easy

    What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

    Reasons to Love this Crustless Pizza

    When I first published this recipe back in January 2018, it quickly became one of my my top posts, and for good reason!

    It's filling, satisfying, and totally hits the spot when I'm craving pizza without all the carbs.

    Admittedly, this recipe originally gained popularity during the keto trend, but the nutrition is still just as valid today. It's the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the heavy crust, and it's still one of my go-to meals whenever I want something delicious and satisfying.

    Plus, it's incredibly versatile and budget-friendly, with options to swap out toppings and meats to fit whatever you have on hand.

    image of Prepare and Nourish owner

    Ingredients for Crustless Pizza

    Ingredients for crustless pizza.
    • Meat crust: The foundation of this crustless pizza is seasoned ground turkey, which acts as the "crust" and holds everything together. I prefer using ground turkey because it provides enough structure without releasing too much excess grease. I season it with sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
    • Pizza sauce: Look for a pizza sauce with minimal added sugar and clean ingredients, or make your own using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs and cook it down until thickened. Here's a secret I won't tell: I use marinara, pizza, and spaghetti sauce interchangeably here, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
    • Mozzarella cheese: No pizza is complete without ooey-gooey cheese to bring everything together. When possible, shred your own mozzarella cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in cheese.
    • Toppings: Since the meat crust is the hero in this recipe, we're keeping the toppings simple with black olives, red bell peppers, and red onions. But you can add sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, and Italian sausage crumbles for extra protein.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Swap out the meat - Try using ground chicken, ground beef, or even ancestral beef blend. If you're using a fattier meat, be prepared to drain, blot, or pour off excess grease to prevent the crustless pizza from becoming too watery.
    • Sauce variations - Instead of pizza sauce, use homemade pesto sauce or Alfredo sauce for a fresh twist. It pairs well with chicken or turkey.
    • Topping ideas - Try Hawaiian pizza with Canadian ham and pineapple for a sweet-and-savory twist. Or add some sliced jalapenos and drizzle buffalo sauce for a little heat.
    graphic of fork and spoon connected in a plant.

    Make it Ancestral

    I just love how all your favorite foods can come together to create a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal. Try ancestral chicken blend (ground chicken with a little bit of organ meats) for the meatzza crust for a boost in nutrition.

    A slice of pizza on a white plate, grated cheese in a clear bowl, and a crustless pizza in a pan on the side.

    How to Make Crustless Pizza

    The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

    Ground pork with seasoning in a clear bowl.

    Step 1. Combine

    Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix ground turkey with sea salt, oregano, basil, and black pepper until well combined.

    Ground pork in a pan.

    Step 2. Bake

    Spread the meat mixture evenly in a cast iron skillet or casserole dish, ensuring it reaches the edges. Bake until fully cooked.

    Crustless pizza in a pan with grated cheese on top.

    Step 3. Layer

    Spread pizza sauce evenly over the meat, ensuring it covers the edges to help retain moisture. Top the pizza sauce with mozzarella cheese.

    Crustless pizza in a pan with grated cheese on top.

    Step 4. Assemble

    Top the pizza sauce with cheese, followed by sliced bell pepper, red onion, and black olives, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly, bake then let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing and serving.

    Helpful Tips

    1. Use lean meat - Opt for lean ground turkey (at least 93% lean) to reduce excess fat and prevent pizza from becoming too runny. We want the meat crust to hold it's shape. 
    2. Don't overwork the meat - Gently mix the meat until just combined, as overworking or packing it too tightly can make the crust tough. 
    3. Season well - Turkey is very bland on its own, so don't skip the herbs and salt. You can even add more seasonings like garlic powder and red pepper flakes for extra heat. 
    4. Let it rest - After baking, allow the pizza to sit for 10 minutes to help the juices redistribute and make slicing easier. 

    Troubleshooting

    • Too much liquid in the skillet? If using higher-fat ground turkey or another meat, this may happen. Drain excess grease after baking the meat crust. If there's still liquid, blot it with a paper towel before adding sauce and toppings.
    • Meat crust shrinking too much? Press the meat evenly into the skillet, making sure it reaches the edges. Shrinkage is normal so spread the ground meat mixture evenly across the skillet to ensure uniform cooking and prevent thin spots from overcooking.

    Product Highlight!

    Large Cast Iron Skillet

    You'll definitely want a skillet that can go from the oven to the table without a hitch. Your large cast iron skillet is perfect for this job. It cooks everything evenly and has those trusty handles.

    Grab yours →
    💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
    For easy meal prep, you can make the meat crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pre-slice your veggies and store them in airtight containers to speed up assembly when you're ready to bake. You can also bake extra meat crusts and freeze them for a quick meal in the future.
    Crustless pizza in a pan with seasoning/spices on the side.

    Serving Suggestions

    This no crust pizza is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a variety of sides and extras!

    I often pair this with a simple side salad like this house salad with homemade house dressing but honestly, there have been plenty of times when it's been the star of the show all on its own.

    It has the protein, fats, fiber, and carbs (depending on the toppings) so it's a complete mealt.

    More crustless pizza pairing suggestions:
    • A fresh green salad on a white plate with tomatoes, onions, olives, and croutons, plus two gold forks beside it.
      Classic House Salad
      Cook Time15 Minutes
    • Lemon broccoli on a white plate.
      Lemony Broccoli with Butter and Garlic
      Cook Time15 Minutes
    • Shredded cabbage with cucumbers in a white bowl.
      Cabbage Cucumber Salad
      Cook Time20 Minutes
    • green beans with sauteed garlic and lemon wedges.
      Buttery Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
      Cook Time20 Minutes
    A slice of pizza on a white plate, grated cheese in a clear bowl, and a crustless pizza in a pan on the side.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store and reheat crustless pizza?

    Store leftover no crust pizza in an airtight container for up to 4 days. These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the slices in a non-preheated air fryer or convection oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

    Can I freeze crustless pizza?

    Yes, you can freeze this meatzza pizza. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in parchment paper then foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag to help prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat per instructions.

    Can I make this in a baking dish instead of a skillet?

    Yes, you can make this crustless pizza in a baking dish instead of a skillet. Just be sure to use a dish that's around the same size (about 12-inches) so that the meat crust cooks evenly. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as a baking dish might not retain heat in the same way as a cast iron skillet.

    Looking for more skillet recipes? Here are some ideas:
    • mushrooms and chicken gravy with fresh thyme sprigs garnished on top.
      Easy Creamy Chicken Liver Recipe
    • shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a spoon.
      Traditional Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Lamb
    • spicy pork with veggies over ramen
      Spicy Pork Ramen Recipe
    • fried cabbage and sausage with dill and fresh parsley garnish in a skillet.
      Easy Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet Recipe
    Did you make this crustless pizza? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

    Printable Recipe

    A slice of pizza on a white plate, grated cheese in a clear bowl, and a crustless pizza in a pan on the side.

    Easy Crustless Pizza Skillet

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    Crustless pizza is a delicious low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza, packed with protein, your favorite toppings, and perfect for a Meatzzza-style meal!
    3.86 from 163 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 381 kcal

    Equipment

    • 12 inch cast iron skillet
    • pizza wheel

    Ingredients
      

    Meat Crust

    • 2 pounds ground turkey
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Pizza

    • 2 cups pizza sauce
    • 3 cups mozzarella cheese divided
    • ½ bell pepper sliced
    • ½ red onion sliced
    • ½ cup black olives sliced
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium-size bowl, combine 2 pounds ground turkey, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ½ teaspoon black pepper together. 
    • Spread meat mixture evenly across a 12 inch cast iron skillet or casserole dish, making sure it reaches to the sides. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
    • Spread 2 cups pizza sauce directly on top of the meat, making sure to get the outside of the patty. This is important so the meat doesn't dry out.
    • Cover the pizza sauce with 23 cups mozzarella cheese. Followed by sliced ½ bell pepper, ½ red onion, and ½ cup black olives. Evenly sprinkle remaining cheese. Bake for another 10 minutes or until veggies are tender and cheese melts.
    • Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes for juices to settle. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Cut into 6 slices and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Storage: Store leftover crustless pizza in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in non preheated air fryer/convection oven for 15 minutes at 400°F. You can freeze by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen slices in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. 
    Helpful Tips: 
    1. Use lean meat - Opt for lean ground turkey (at least 93% lean) to reduce excess fat and prevent pizza from becoming too runny. We want the meat crust to hold it's shape. 
    2. Don't overwork the meat - Gently mix the meat until just combined, as overworking or packing it too tightly can make the crust tough. 
    3. Season well - Turkey is very bland on its own, so don't skip the herbs and salt. You can even add more seasonings like garlic powder and red pepper flakes for extra heat. 
    4. Let it rest - After baking, allow the pizza to sit for 10 minutes to help the juices redistribute and make slicing easier. 
    Troubleshooting:
    Too much liquid in the skillet? If using higher-fat ground turkey or another meat, this may happen. Drain excess grease after baking the meat crust. If there's still liquid, blot it with a paper towel before adding sauce and toppings. 
    Meat crust shrinking too much? Press the meat evenly into the skillet, making sure it reaches the edges. Shrinkage is normal so spread the ground meat mixture evenly across the skillet to ensure uniform cooking and prevent thin spots from overcooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1379mg | Potassium: 777mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 859IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 3mg
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword crustless pizza, crustless pizza recipe, meatzza, no crust pizza
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

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    About Anya

    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      3.86 from 163 votes (163 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Beverly Reimamm says

      November 12, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      Petfect!!!!!!!

      Reply
    2. Karen Strouf says

      October 18, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      This was just so good. I made it with Chicken, Cheese, Spin h, Mushrooms, Sun dried Tomatoes and more Cheese.
      This is a keeper

      Reply
    3. Nancy says

      February 23, 2022 at 5:30 pm

      We really enjoyed it. I only used 1 t of salt and for the meat, ground turkey and Italian sausage, plus an egg as a binding agent.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        October 01, 2022 at 11:05 am

        Did you mix the chicken/ turkey in a food processor first? The picture looks like you did but recipe doesn't.

        Reply
        • Anya says

          October 03, 2022 at 8:24 am

          Hi Mary,
          No, you just combine the ground meat and crust ingredients in a bowl.

          Reply
    4. Fishergrl78 says

      April 13, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Is the nutrition information listed above for the entire recipe or per serving? That seems like an awful lot of sodium for one serving. I plan on using turkey which I know has virtually no salt. So, the salt would come from the toppings ie: sauce, cheese etc

      Reply
      • Anya says

        April 13, 2022 at 1:51 pm

        It is per serving (which would be 1/6th of the skillet pizza). You can try a smaller serving or use less of cheese and pizza sauce and more veggies.

        Reply
    5. Karisaija says

      July 16, 2023 at 7:37 am

      Looks amazing. I would not call it Keto due to "lean meat". Keto is keeping your macros at approximately 70% Fat 20% Protein 5% Carbs. But definitely Diabetic or Low carb... Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Anya says

        July 17, 2023 at 8:50 pm

        True although this is low carb for sure. 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Sandra Dion says

      July 25, 2023 at 12:35 pm

      Why us rhe sodium so high?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        July 26, 2023 at 11:16 am

        It's the cheese. Mozzarella cheese is high in sodium unless you specifically buy low-sodium mozzarella. I'll make note of it in the copy.

        Reply

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