Pin It The first time I made ground beef pizza, I wasn't trying to reinvent anything. I just had leftover ground beef, a craving for pizza, and zero flour in the pantry. What started as improvisation became my favorite weeknight dinner, and now my kids actually request the crispy, savory crust over traditional dough. There's something satisfying about pressing seasoned beef into a sheet pan and watching it transform into something that tastes indulgent but keeps things simple.
I remember bringing this to a family gathering where someone had recently gone gluten-free, and watching their face light up when they realized they could eat pizza again was the moment this recipe became special to me. No one was eating it out of obligation; they were genuinely excited about seconds. That's when I knew it wasn't just a low-carb workaround, but something delicious enough to stand on its own.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef (500 g): Use 85-90% lean so the crust crisps up beautifully instead of staying greasy; the fat content matters more here than in regular ground meat dishes.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together, keeping the crust tender inside while the edges get crispy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): Adds umami depth and helps the crust brown more evenly than you'd expect.
- Garlic and onion powder (1 tsp each): These dried seasonings are essential since fresh garlic or onion would release moisture and soften your crust.
- Dried oregano and basil (1 tsp each): They infuse the beef itself with pizza flavor rather than just sitting on top, which changes everything.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp and ¼ tsp): Taste as you're mixing because you'll add more flavor through toppings.
- Shredded mozzarella (120 g): Low-moisture mozzarella browns better than fresh; don't skip this detail.
- Pepperoni slices (60 g): They release oil as they bake, crisping up the edges and flavoring the cheese.
- Pizza sauce (120 ml): A sugar-free option keeps the carbs down without sacrificing taste.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prepare:
- Set your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is key to browning the beef quickly while keeping the inside tender.
- Mix the beef base gently:
- Combine ground beef, egg, Parmesan, and all seasonings in a large bowl, mixing just until everything comes together. Overworking the mixture makes the crust tough and dense instead of slightly tender with crispy edges.
- Shape your crust:
- Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and press it into a 30 cm round about 1 cm thick, creating a slight lip around the edge to hold toppings and prevent them from sliding off. Your hands will get a bit messy, but that's how you know it's pressed evenly.
- Bake the base until set:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the beef is browned and firm to touch. You'll see some fat pooling around the edges, which is exactly what you want to drain away.
- Drain and top:
- Carefully pour off the excess fat (tilt the pan gently), then spread pizza sauce evenly over the base, top with mozzarella, and arrange pepperoni slices so they'll brown at the edges.
- Finish baking until bubbly:
- Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden spots where the pepperoni has crisped up.
- Rest and serve:
- Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This brief pause lets everything set slightly so your slices stay intact.
Pin It One afternoon I made this for my partner when they were having a rough day, and watching something so comforting and satisfying come together in under an hour reminded me why simple food cooked with care matters. There's real comfort in a pizza that's warm, crispy, and ready before you've finished pouring a drink.
Why This Works as a Low-Carb Solution
When you remove the flour-based crust, beef becomes the foundation, and it delivers more protein and fat for satiety than traditional pizza ever could. The egg acts as both binder and enricher, creating structure without relying on gluten. What surprised me most was that you don't miss the carbs because the umami from seasoned beef, browned edges, and melted cheese fills that void completely.
Building Flavor Into Every Layer
Rather than relying on sauce and toppings to carry the dish, the beef itself is seasoned generously so every bite tastes intentional. The dried herbs infuse the meat as it bakes, the Parmesan browns into savory bits, and the pepperoni releases salt and richness. By the time toppings hit the pan, you already have a foundation that stands confidently on its own.
Variations and Make-It-Your-Own Options
This base is genuinely adaptable without losing its integrity. Some nights I'll add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers before the cheese, and other times I keep it minimal to let the beef and pepperoni shine. You can even top it with fresh basil after baking for brightness, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you want heat without extra moisture.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, caramelized onions, or keep it vegetarian with roasted vegetables and a plant-based base.
- Double the recipe on a larger sheet pan and you've got enough for meal prep or a casual gathering without extra effort.
- Pair it with a sharp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to feel balanced and complete.
Pin It This pizza changed how I think about weeknight cooking, proving that constraints spark creativity instead of limiting it. Give it a try and see what becomes your version of it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the beef base?
Combine ground beef with egg, Parmesan, and spices, mix gently, then shape into a round crust before baking until set and browned.
- → What baking temperature is recommended?
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) for optimal browning and crispiness of the beef crust.
- → Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even cooked sausage can be added for extra flavor and variety.
- → Is this a gluten-free option?
Yes, using ground beef instead of traditional dough makes it naturally gluten-free, suitable for low-carb diets.
- → How do I ensure the crust stays firm while baking?
Mix ingredients without overworking and shape the beef with a slight lip to hold toppings, then bake until well set.
- → What are some garnish ideas?
Fresh basil leaves add a bright, herbal note when sprinkled over the hot pizza base just before serving.