Meat Crust Pizza (Keto Meatza)

Who said pizza has to come with a carb-heavy crust? Enter the Meatza—a game-changing, keto-friendly pizza where the crust is made entirely of seasoned, juicy ground meat. It’s the perfect solution for low-carb lovers who refuse to give up that cheesy, saucy pizza experience. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.

The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water—spiced ground beef sizzling in the oven, garlic and onions mingling, and cheddar melting into golden perfection. Each slice offers that classic pizza satisfaction without the guilt, and it’s so hearty you might just surprise yourself by going back for seconds.

Recipe Origin

The Meatza has taken the keto and low-carb world by storm, but its inspiration comes from traditional meat-lover pizzas. Instead of dough, ground beef forms the base, holding all your favorite toppings and cheese in a savory, protein-packed package.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or pizza pan
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Knife and cutting board
• Food processor (optional, for cauliflower rice)
• Blender (optional, for cilantro crema)

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Why You’ll Love Meat Crust Pizza

This recipe is more than a low-carb alternative—it’s a delicious, versatile, and crowd-pleasing meal:

Versatile: Top it with anything you love—peppers, mushrooms, olives, or extra cheese. It’s fully customizable for your cravings.

Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients like ground beef, onions, and cheese—no fancy flours or specialty products required.

Quick and Easy: From prep to oven in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner inspiration.

Customizable: Spice it up with chili powder or keep it mild for the kids. You can also swap the cheese for whatever you prefer.

Crowd-Pleasing: Keto or not, everyone loves pizza. This one’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—it’s bound to disappear fast.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease from pooling on your crust.
• Press the meat mixture firmly and evenly to form a stable crust that holds toppings.
• Precook your cauliflower rice slightly to remove excess moisture for a firmer crust.
• Let the Meatza rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing—it helps everything hold together.

Ingredients in Meat Crust Pizza

Here’s why each ingredient is essential for making this low-carb wonder:

Ground Beef: Forms the sturdy, flavorful crust. Lean beef keeps it from being too greasy.

Onion: Minced finely, it adds sweetness and depth, blending seamlessly into the meat crust.

Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the crust together and giving it structure.

Cauliflower Rice: Adds texture and moisture without carbs. It’s the secret ingredient that makes the crust sturdy yet tender.

Chili Powder & Cumin: Bring warmth, smokiness, and a little kick that complements the meat beautifully.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.

Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and rounds out the flavor profile.

Cheddar Cheese: Mixed into the crust for richness and melty, cheesy goodness.

Cilantro Crema (Optional): Fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic create a tangy, herby sauce that brightens the dish and adds a cool contrast to the warm meat crust.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s create this delicious Meatza step by step:

Preheat Your Oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the crust cooks evenly.

Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: If using fresh cauliflower, pulse florets in a food processor until rice-sized. Optionally, lightly steam or microwave to remove excess moisture.

Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, egg, cauliflower rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Form the Crust: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture into a thin, even circle or rectangle, pressing firmly to create a solid crust.

Bake the Crust: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the crust is firm.

Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and add additional cheese or your favorite keto-friendly toppings. Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese melts and toppings are heated through.

Make the Cilantro Crema (Optional): Blend cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic until smooth. Drizzle over slices for a bright, creamy finish.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve warm. The Meatza is best eaten fresh but can be stored and reheated gently for leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400–450 (depending on cheese and toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Meat Crust Pizza

As a Main Dish: Enjoy it hot straight from the oven with extra cheese or avocado slices.

With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance the richness.

With Dipping Sauces: Keto-friendly marinara or ranch works beautifully for extra indulgence.

As Meal Prep: Slice into portions for lunches or dinners throughout the week—it reheats surprisingly well.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Mix the crust ingredients in advance and refrigerate for a few hours. Assemble and bake when ready.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
• Freezing: The baked crust can be frozen, then thawed and topped before reheating for a convenient low-carb meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes, but flavor will be milder. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Q2: Can I make this fully vegetarian?
A2: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative. Cauliflower still provides structure.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are excellent toppings.

Q4: How do I prevent the crust from being soggy?
A4: Precook the cauliflower rice and press the crust firmly to remove moisture.

Q5: Can I make it spicy?
A5: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for heat.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Use a larger baking sheet or two pans for even cooking.

Q7: How do I keep the cheese from browning too much?
A7: Add cheese for the last 5–7 minutes of baking instead of at the start.

Q8: Can I skip the cilantro crema?
A8: Absolutely—while it’s a nice touch, the Meatza is delicious on its own.

Q9: What’s the best way to slice it?
A9: Let it rest 5 minutes after baking, then use a sharp knife for clean slices.

Q10: Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
A10: Yes, freeze the baked crust without toppings. Thaw, add toppings, and reheat for best results.

Conclusion

Meat Crust Pizza (Keto Meatza) is a fun, hearty, and flavorful twist on classic pizza that doesn’t compromise on taste. With a protein-packed, cheesy crust and endless topping possibilities, it’s perfect for low-carb diets, busy weeknights, or impressing friends at dinner. This Meatza is a proof that comfort food can be healthy, satisfying, and seriously delicious. Slice, serve, and savor each bite—your taste buds will thank you.