Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb Delight: Meatza replaces traditional pizza dough with a flavorful ground beef crust, making it perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
- Customizable Toppings: You can top it with your favorite keto-friendly ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this pizza is a hassle-free weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and nutritious.
- Rich and Savory: The ground beef crust, spiced with chili powder and garlic powder, gives the pizza a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with melted cheddar cheese.
- Fresh Cilantro Crema: The optional cilantro crema adds a zesty and refreshing contrast to the rich meat crust and melted cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a great way to get kids to enjoy low-carb meals, and they’ll love the cheesy, hearty flavors.
- Healthy Alternative: With cauliflower rice in the crust, this recipe provides an extra veggie boost without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cilantro Crema (optional):
- ⅓ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove fresh garlic
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meat Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, egg, cauliflower rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form the Crust: Press the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circular pizza crust that’s about ½-inch thick.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the center is fully cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare the Cilantro Crema (Optional): While the pizza is baking, blend the cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle the cilantro crema over the pizza before serving for a fresh and tangy finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Other Toppings: Add keto-friendly toppings like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, to make your Meatza even more delicious.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese option to make the pizza dairy-free while keeping it keto.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the crust or topping for an extra spicy kick.
- Paleo Option: For a paleo version, omit the cheese and use coconut cream in place of sour cream for the crema.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Meatza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover pizza on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How do I prevent the crust from being soggy?
Make sure to squeeze any excess moisture from the cauliflower rice before mixing it into the meat mixture. This will help keep the crust firm.
Can I freeze the Meatza crust?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked crust for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Is the cilantro crema necessary?
The cilantro crema is optional but adds a refreshing tang to balance the richness of the meat and cheese. You can also use avocado crema or sour cream without lime if you prefer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat crust and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Simply bake it when you’re ready to add the cheese and finish cooking.
Can I make this recipe without the cauliflower rice?
While the cauliflower rice adds texture and moisture, you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional meat crust, though it may be slightly firmer.
How can I make the crust crispier?
For a crispier crust, try using a pizza stone or cast-iron pan to bake the Meatza.
Can I use another vegetable instead of cauliflower rice?
Yes, finely grated zucchini or other low-carb vegetables can be used as a substitute for cauliflower rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
This Keto Meat Crust Pizza (Meatza) is the ultimate low-carb comfort food, featuring a savory ground beef crust topped with melted cheddar cheese. With the optional cilantro crema, it’s a fresh and indulgent twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. Whether you’re craving pizza night or looking for a healthier pizza alternative, this Meatza will satisfy your taste buds without the carbs!
Meat Crust Pizza (Keto Meatza)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Keto Meat Crust Pizza (Meatza) offers a low-carb, flavorful twist on traditional pizza with a savory ground beef crust topped with melted cheddar cheese. The optional cilantro crema adds a tangy finish to balance the richness, making it a perfect option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 pound lean ground beef
½ onion, finely minced
1 egg
1 cup cauliflower rice
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cilantro Crema (optional):
⅓ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 clove fresh garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meat Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, egg, cauliflower rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Form the Crust: Press the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet into a circular pizza crust, about ½-inch thick.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until browned at the edges and the center is fully cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the crust from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare the Cilantro Crema (Optional): While the pizza bakes, blend the cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with cilantro crema before serving, if desired.
Notes
Other Toppings: Add keto-friendly toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked bacon.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the pizza dairy-free while keeping it keto.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the crust or topping for extra heat.
Paleo Option: For a paleo version, omit the cheese and use coconut cream in place of sour cream for the crema.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
