ADVERTISEMENT
First you should preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so that it is nice and hot when you are ready to slide your pizza bake inside for the final cooking process.
Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat on your stove and add the ground Italian sausage or the ground beef into the pan to begin the browning process.
Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks and continue stirring until there is no more pink color visible in the meat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Once the meat is fully cooked you should carefully drain away any excess grease or fat from the pan so that your pizza bake does not become oily or soggy in the oven.
While the meat is still warm in the skillet you can stir in the garlic powder and the dried oregano and the red pepper flakes so the spices have a chance to bloom and release their flavor.
Take a medium sized baking dish which is usually about nine by nine inches or a round pie dish and lightly grease the bottom with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
Spread the cooked and seasoned meat evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to create a solid and flavorful base for your crustless pizza.
Pour the jar of pizza sauce over the top of the meat and use the back of a spoon to spread it out so that every inch of the meat is covered in red sauce.
Now it is time for the cheese so take your shredded mozzarella and sprinkle it generously over the sauce until you have a thick and beautiful white layer.
Arrange your sliced pepperoni and green peppers and mushrooms and black olives on top of the cheese layer in whatever pattern makes you feel happy and creative.
Place the baking dish into the center of your preheated oven and bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble.
If you want a truly authentic pizza look you can turn on the broiler for the last two minutes of cooking to get some of those beautiful brown toasted spots on the cheese.
Remove the dish from the oven using sturdy oven mitts and let it sit on a heat safe surface for about five minutes because this helps the sauce and cheese set so it is easier to serve.
Scatter some fresh basil leaves over the top of the hot dish for a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma that really brings the whole meal together.
Scoop out a large portion onto a plate or into a bowl and enjoy your homemade pizza experience without any of the crust.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is truly special because it focuses on the highest density of flavor and nutrition by removing the empty calories found in white flour crusts. By using real whole ingredients like fresh vegetables and high quality meats you are providing your body with essential proteins and vitamins that support your energy levels throughout the day. It is a fantastic option for people who are managing their weight or looking to reduce their sugar intake because most traditional pizza dough contains hidden sugars and fast acting starches. The taste is incredibly intense because without the bread to soak up the juices you get the full impact of the spicy sausage and the tangy tomato sauce in every single forkful. It is also a very inclusive dish because it is naturally gluten free which means your friends with certain food sensitivities can eat exactly what you are eating without any modifications. This recipe proves that you do not need a complicated list of ingredients or hours of time to create a meal that feels like a special treat.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
If you want to take the flavor to the next level you can try mixing different types of cheeses like provolone or sharp cheddar along with the mozzarella for a more complex and salty profile. You can also roast your vegetables in a separate pan for five minutes before adding them to the bake to ensure they are perfectly tender and slightly caramelized. For a boost of healthy fats you could add a few slices of fresh avocado on top of your portion right before you eat it. If you find that your pizza sauce is a bit too acidic you can stir in a tiny pinch of baking soda or a teaspoon of heavy cream to the sauce before pouring it over the meat. To make the base even more substantial you could add a layer of cooked spinach or sautéed onions underneath the meat for extra fiber and flavor. Always try to use a sauce that has no added sugar to keep the recipe as healthy as possible and check your pepperoni labels to avoid fillers.
Final Thoughts
See more on the next page to continue reading →
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
