All the pizza flavor you love—without the crust, but with a serious protein punch! If you’re following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet, you know the struggle of craving a hot, cheesy slice of pizza only to realize it will blow your daily macros. Enter this 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie. It’s gooey, meaty, incredibly satisfying, and completely guilt-free.
Instead of a traditional flour crust, this recipe uses a savory, protein-packed meat and cheese base that mimics the texture of a pizza crust while delivering massive flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, fueling an intense workout, or just trying to hit your protein goals without sacrificing taste, this pizza pie is about to become your new favorite dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Massive Protein Punch: With approximately 53 grams of protein per serving, this is the ultimate muscle-building, satiating meal.
· Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No flour, no grains, and no sugar—just pure, savory goodness that won’t spike your blood sugar.
· Incredibly Cheesy & Meatty: Packed with Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and a mountain of melted mozzarella.
· Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep. No kneading dough or waiting for it to rise!
· Family Approved: Even picky eaters and carb-lovers devour this. They won’t even miss the crust.
· Perfect for Meal Prep: Slice it up and store it for quick, high-protein breakfasts, lunches, or dinners all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the “Crust” (Meat Base):
· 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
· 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
· 2 large eggs
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
· 1 jar (15–24 oz) low-carb or sugar-free pizza/marinara sauce
· 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
· ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
· ½ cup diced green bell peppers (optional)
· ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
· Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a deep-dish pie pan, a 9×13-inch baking dish, or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Make the Meat Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the Crust: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan, creating a thick “crust.”
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the meat crust uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add the Sauce: Spread the low-carb pizza sauce evenly over the cooked meat crust.
- Layer the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes (watching closely to prevent burning).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Slice into wedges or squares and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Crustless Pizza Pie
· Drain the Grease: Ground beef and sausage release a lot of fat. After pre-baking the meat crust, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess grease. This prevents a soggy pizza.
· Dry Your Veggies: If using watery vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, sauté them first or pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid a watery casserole.
· Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own mozzarella for that perfect gooey pull.
· Let It Rest: Waiting 5 minutes before slicing is crucial. It allows the cheese and meat to set up, resulting in clean slices.
· Customize Your Macros: Use ground chicken or turkey for an even leaner version, or add more cheese for a higher fat, keto-friendly kick.
Variations & Substitutions
· Meat Lover’s Pizza Pie: Add cooked crumbled bacon, ham, and extra pepperoni.
· White Pizza Pie: Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce.
· Spicy Pizza Pie: Use hot Italian sausage, add diced jalapeños, and top with crushed red pepper flakes.
· Supreme Pizza Pie: Load it up with bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.
· Chicken Crust Pizza: Substitute the ground beef and sausage with 1 lb of ground chicken mixed with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 egg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in each serving?
If cut into 6 generous servings, each slice contains approximately 53 grams of protein. If cut into 8 smaller servings, each slice contains about 40 grams of protein.
Can I freeze this crustless pizza?
Yes! Bake it completely, let it cool, and freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use a low-carb or sugar-free marinara sauce and ensure your pepperoni doesn’t contain added sugars.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can pre-bake the meat crust and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the toppings and baking again.
Recipe Card: 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 35 minutes
· Total Time: 45 minutes
· Servings: 6
· Category: Main Course, Low-Carb, High-Protein
· Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Ingredients:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 lb Italian sausage
· 2 large eggs
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· ½ tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 jar (15-24 oz) low-carb pizza sauce
· 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup sliced pepperoni
· Optional veggies: olives, bell peppers, mushrooms
· Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a deep-dish pie pan or 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix ground beef, sausage, eggs, Parmesan, and seasonings. Press into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Spread pizza sauce over the meat crust. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, slice, and serve.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
· Calories: 620
· Protein: 53g
· Carbohydrates: 6g
· Fat: 42g
· Fiber: 1g
· Sugar: 3g
· Net Carbs: 5g
Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
Final Thoughts
This 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie is the ultimate solution for pizza lovers who want to stay on track with their health and fitness goals. It’s cheesy, meaty, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors you crave—minus the carbs and guilt. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd on game day, this recipe delivers every single time. Make it once and it’ll become a permanent staple in your kitchen!
Have you made this high-protein crustless pizza pie? Share your favorite toppings and variations in the comments below!