Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (choose a low-sugar variety if desired)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional, or use any favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers)
  • Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Meat:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef/sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
    • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
  3. Add the Seasonings and Sauce:
    • Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
    • Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Bake:
    • Pour the meat and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
    • If you’re using pepperoni or other pizza toppings, layer them over the cheese. You can also add some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives if desired.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden brown.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the pizza bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or additional Italian seasoning if desired.
    • Serve hot, either on its own or with a side salad or low-carb breadsticks.

Tips and Variations:

  • Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach.
  • Add Extra Veggies: To sneak in some extra veggies, you can sauté spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the ground meat and mix them in before baking.
  • Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes, or top with jalapeño slices.
  • Cheese Options: You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.

WW Points (Estimated):

  • Per serving: This recipe typically comes out to about 4-5 WW points per serving, depending on the type of ground meat and cheese you use. Using lean meats and reduced-fat cheeses can help lower the points.

This Crustless Pizza Bake is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone craving pizza but wanting to avoid carbs. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and full of pizza flavors that everyone will love!