What Our Happy Readers Are Saying About This Game-Changing Meatza Recipe

“This recipe is genius! It was a big hit for the whole family, even the picky eaters. We absolutely loved it and will be making it again!”

Jenni

Read more reviews >>

Decoding Meatza: Your New Go-To Low-Carb Pizza Solution

Whether you spell it “meatza” or “meatzza,” the core concept remains brilliantly simple and undeniably delicious: a pizza where the traditional crust is replaced entirely by a savory, seasoned meat base. This ingenious recipe was born from a common dilemma – the strong craving for pizza, but a desire to avoid conventional or even common low-carb alternatives like cauliflower crusts. The solution? A hearty, satisfying meat crust that stands on its own.

For individuals navigating a ketogenic diet, managing carbohydrate intake, or seeking gluten-free meal options, Meatza emerges as an ideal choice. It’s not just a compromise; it’s an enhancement. This meat-based crust provides a significant boost of protein, keeping you feeling fuller for longer, and delivers a robust flavor that perfectly complements a wide array of toppings. Forget the bland, cardboard-like crusts of the past; Meatza offers a deeply flavorful and textural experience that will make you rethink pizza forever.

Crafting the Ultimate Meatza Pizza Crust: The Heart of the Recipe

The secret to an exceptional Meatza lies in its crust. Unlike any other pizza you’ve tried, our recipe features a robust, flavorful base crafted from a strategic blend of ground beef and ground pork. Through extensive experimentation, we discovered that this particular combination yields the most amazing flavor and an ideal texture – one that’s substantial enough to hold your toppings yet tender and juicy with every bite.

The ground beef contributes a rich, classic meatiness, providing a familiar and satisfying foundation. The ground pork, with its slightly higher fat content, introduces an essential element of moisture and deeper flavor, ensuring the crust remains succulent and never dry. Together, these two meats are seasoned with a simple yet potent blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground pepper. This medley of spices infuses the crust with a taste reminiscent of a perfectly seasoned Italian meatball, creating a deeply savory base that truly sings when paired with your chosen pizza toppings. The entire mixing process takes mere minutes, making gourmet, low-carb pizza an achievable weeknight reality.

Craving More Keto Inspiration? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of keto recipes for a wealth of delicious low-carb meal ideas!

Mastering Your Meat Lovers Pizza: Essential Tips for Success

While the concept of a meat crust might be unique, achieving a perfectly cooked and delicious Meatza is surprisingly straightforward with these expert tips. These insights are garnered from our own kitchen testing, designed to ensure your low-carb pizza experience is flawless from start to finish:

• Don’t Overmix the Crust: When combining the ground beef, pork, and seasonings, use your hands to mix just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Overmixing can compact the meat too much, resulting in a tougher, less desirable crust texture. Gentle handling will keep it tender.
• Spread it Thin and Even: A crucial step for a great Meatza is spreading the crust into a thin, uniform layer. A 12×17-inch sheet pan is ideal as it encourages you to spread the meat approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick across the entire surface. Press firmly with the palm of your hand, especially towards the edges, to ensure there are no overly thick spots that might cook unevenly. This creates a consistent base that crisps up beautifully.
• Manage Excess Fat: As the meat crust bakes during its initial phase, it will naturally shrink and release some fat. This is an important step. After the first 15 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and tilt it to gently pour off any rendered fat. This prevents your Meatza from becoming greasy and contributes significantly to a crispier, more enjoyable crust.
• Thoughtful Topping Application: Once the crust has had its initial bake and the fat is drained, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. Start with an even layer of your chosen sugar-free pizza sauce, followed by cheese and other ingredients. Distribute them evenly and avoid piling them too high, as overloading can lead to a soggy pizza or uneven cooking.
• The Two-Stage Baking Process: The recipe utilizes two distinct baking stages. The first bake focuses on cooking the meat crust thoroughly and rendering fat. The second, shorter bake allows the toppings to heat through, the cheese to melt and bubble into golden perfection, and all the flavors to truly meld together.
• Consider a Quick Broil for Perfection: For those who love a slightly browned and bubbly cheese topping with crispy edges, an optional minute or two under the broiler at the very end of the cooking process can make all the difference. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can toast quickly!
• Allow for Resting Time: Once your Meatza is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it cool for 5-10 minutes allows the meat crust to firm up slightly, making for cleaner cuts and ensuring the slices hold their shape perfectly.

Selecting the Best Sugar-Free Pizza Sauce for a Keto-Friendly Meatza

A crucial component of any low-carb pizza, including our Meatza, is a high-quality, sugar-free pizza sauce. Many commercial sauces are surprisingly high in added sugars, which can quickly undo your efforts to maintain a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Thankfully, the market now offers several excellent options that deliver rich, authentic Italian flavor without the unwanted sweetness. Here are some top picks that we’ve found to be outstanding:

• Rao’s Homemade Pizza Sauce: Consistently praised for its exceptional taste and clean ingredient list, Rao’s is a go-to for many low-carb and keto followers.
• Fody Marinara Sauce: An excellent choice not only for its sugar-free profile but also for those sensitive to FODMAPs, providing robust flavor from natural ingredients.
• Lucini Marinara Sauce: Another highly reputable brand known for its authentic, savory marinara sauces that are typically free from added sugars and artificial ingredients.

When shopping, always take a moment to review the nutrition label. Look for sauces where tomatoes are the primary ingredient, followed by natural herbs and spices, and a clear absence of added sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners. For ultimate control, consider making your own simple sugar-free marinara from crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, and oregano – it’s easier than you think and tastes incredibly fresh!

Customizing Your Meatza: Endless Topping Combinations

One of the most exciting aspects of making Meatza is the freedom to customize it to your exact preferences. While our recipe suggests classic toppings like marinara, olives, bell peppers, red onion, and shredded cheese, the possibilities are truly endless. Let your creativity soar and make this Meatza uniquely yours with these topping ideas:

• Protein Power-Ups: Enhance the “meat” aspect by adding cooked crumbled sausage (Italian or breakfast), crispy bacon bits, sliced pepperoni, ham, or even thinly sliced cooked chicken.
• Vibrant Vegetables: Expand beyond the basic bell peppers and onions. Consider sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach or kale, spicy jalapeño slices, sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained), artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano after baking.
• Cheese, Please!: While mozzarella is a classic for a reason, experiment with other low-carb cheeses. Provolone adds a sharp tang, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano enhances the savory depth, or try a sprinkle of goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Flavorful Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, a sugar-free pesto sauce or a creamy garlic-herb sauce could offer a delightful alternative to marinara. Just ensure they fit your dietary requirements.

A helpful tip: if you’re adding raw meat toppings like sausage, make sure to cook them thoroughly before placing them on the Meatza. For denser vegetables, a quick sauté or blanch beforehand can ensure they cook through and become tender during the final bake. Enjoy the journey of discovering your perfect Meatza combination!

Why Meatza is More Than Just a Recipe: A Lifestyle Solution

Our Meatza recipe transcends being merely a dish; it’s a versatile and satisfying solution for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. It embodies the philosophy that delicious food can also be incredibly good for you. Here’s why Meatza has become a favorite in so many kitchens:

• Perfect for Keto & Low-Carb Diets: Specifically designed to align with stringent carbohydrate limits, making it an ideal meal for maintaining ketosis or simply reducing sugar intake.
• Powerhouse of Protein: The meat crust ensures a high protein content, which is essential for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall energy levels. It keeps hunger at bay longer than traditional pizzas.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, Meatza offers a safe and delicious option without needing special flour blends.
• Surprisingly Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of active prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
• Highly Customizable: Its adaptable nature means everyone in the family can enjoy a personalized pizza experience, choosing their favorite toppings to create a unique meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who aren’t strictly low-carb will rave about the rich flavor and satisfying texture of Meatza, making it a fantastic dish for entertaining or family dinners.

Meatza is a testament to how creative cooking can open up new avenues for enjoying classic comfort foods in a health-conscious way. It’s a delicious, guilt-free pleasure that brings joy and satisfaction to every meal.

4.55 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings

Get the Recipe:

Meatza (Easy 10-Minute Prep Recipe)

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

30 minutes
mins

Total:

40 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

Meatza – a revolutionary pizza recipe where the crust is made entirely from seasoned ground meat! This rich, filling, and low-carb pizza is deliciously topped with cheese, olives, and peppers, offering a guilt-free gourmet experience.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 lb
  ground beef
• 1 lb
  ground pork
• 1/3 cup
  almond flour
• 2 tbsp
  Italian seasoning
• 1.5 tsp
  garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp
  onion powder
• 1 tsp
  sea salt
• 1 tsp
  ground pepper

For the toppings (or sub whatever toppings you prefer):

• 1 cup
  marinara sauce (sugar-free recommended)
• 1/4 cup
  olives, sliced
• 1/4
  bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1/8
  red onion, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups
  shredded cheese (mozzarella or Italian blend)

Instructions

• Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). For effortless cleanup and easy removal, line a 12×17-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Ensure your sheet pan has a lip to contain any fat released during cooking. The larger pan size is crucial for spreading the meat crust thinly and evenly to the edges, ensuring optimal cooking.
• Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher crust.
• Form the Meat Crust: Transfer the seasoned meat mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread it out into a thin, uniform layer, aiming for approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Press down firmly with your palm to eliminate any thick spots and ensure the crust reaches the very edges of the pan. You can shape it into a traditional circle if desired, or keep it rectangular for easy slicing.
• First Bake the Crust: Place the pan with the meat crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and slightly browned. During this initial bake, the crust will naturally shrink a bit and release some fat.
• Drain Fat and Add Toppings: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using heat-resistant mitts, tilt the pan to gently pour off any accumulated fat. Now, it’s time for the toppings: spread a generous, even layer of your preferred sugar-free marinara sauce over the cooked crust. Follow with the shredded cheese, sliced olives, bell pepper strips, and red onion.
• Final Bake: Return the Meatza to the oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This allows the toppings to heat through completely, the cheese to melt and become wonderfully bubbly, and all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Optional Broil for Golden Finish: For a deliciously browned and slightly crispy finish on your cheese and toppings, you can optionally turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as broiling can brown quickly and easily burn!
• Cool and Serve: Remove the Meatza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares or wedges. This resting period helps the crust to firm up slightly and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly flavorful, low-carb pizza!

Last Step:

Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe! Your ratings and reviews are invaluable and help our business grow, thank you!

Notes

Nutrition facts are an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet and include only the ingredients noted in this recipe. Always verify with your own calculations if precise dietary information is critical for your personal health goals. See our full nutrition information disclosure here.

Calories: 851kcal,
Carbohydrates: 11g,
Protein: 54g,
Fat: 65g,
Saturated Fat: 25g,
Fiber: 3g

Course:
Main Course

Author:
Justin Winn

Cuisine:
American

Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!