Pin this The first time I made a ground beef pizza, I was hunting for something that would satisfy my partner's pizza cravings without derailing our low-carb goals. We'd been experimenting with beef-based bases for months, trying everything from cauliflower to almond flour, but nothing felt quite right until I mixed together some seasoned ground beef with an egg and realized I'd stumbled onto something genuinely delicious. That night, pulling it out of the oven with a golden-brown crust and melted mozzarella bubbling on top, I knew this would become a regular thing in our kitchen.
I made this for our friends who'd been skeptical about low-carb eating, and watching their faces when they realized it wasn't some sad substitute but actually delicious became one of those small kitchen victories I still think about. One guest asked for the recipe before even finishing her second slice, and another admitted she'd been dreading a 'healthy' dinner but this felt like cheating in the best way.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: The foundation of your crust, so choose quality beef if you can; it makes the difference between a dense, greasy base and one that's tender and flavorful.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together, preventing a crumbly mess and giving the crust just enough structure.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, umami punch that deepens the savory flavor throughout the entire base.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These dried seasonings distribute flavor evenly without introducing moisture, which would make your crust soggy.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic pizza herbs that instantly make this taste like pizza, even without a traditional dough base.
- Salt and black pepper: Don't skip seasoning the base itself; it's easy to under-season when you're thinking about the toppings later.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella if possible, as it browns better and creates those beautiful bubbly pockets.
- Sliced pepperoni: Those little cups crisp up as they cook, creating flavor-packed little vessels of deliciousness.
- Sugar-free pizza sauce: Keeps the carb count down and lets the beef flavor shine instead of masking it with sweetness.
Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This high heat is essential for creating that golden, slightly crispy edge.
- Mix the Beef Base:
- Combine all the base ingredients in a large bowl, stirring just until everything is incorporated without squishing the beef; overworking it makes the crust dense and tough. You want it to feel tender and alive when it hits the oven.
- Shape Your Foundation:
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet and pat it into a 30 cm round about 1 cm thick, creating a slight lip at the edges that'll hold your toppings without them sliding off. Take your time here and use damp hands if the mixture sticks.
- Bake the Base:
- Pop it in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until it's browned and set; you'll notice the edges pulling away slightly from the sheet when it's ready. The smell alone will have everyone asking what's cooking.
- Drain and Top:
- Carefully pour off any excess fat that's accumulated, then spread pizza sauce evenly over the warm beef, followed by mozzarella and pepperoni arranged however you like. This is when you can add any other toppings you're excited about.
- Final Bake:
- Return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a little color on top. You'll know it's done when it smells like a proper pizza joint.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so everything sets slightly, then slice and scatter fresh basil on top if you have it. The short rest prevents everything from sliding apart and lets the flavors settle.
Pin this There was an evening when my sister brought her kids over and they actually chose this pizza over ordering takeout, which felt like I'd won some invisible parenting-adjacent lottery. My nephew asked if this was 'the meat pizza' every time we cooked for a week straight after that, and I realized food has a way of becoming shorthand for good moments.
Why This Feels Like Real Pizza
The beef base creates something that tastes deeply satisfying in a way that other low-carb bases sometimes miss. It's substantial and savory, with that slightly crispy exterior and tender interior that makes you feel like you're eating something indulgent rather than health-conscious. The mozzarella and pepperoni finish it off exactly as they should, and you get the full pizza experience without any of the heaviness afterward.
Making It Your Own
While the classic pepperoni version is perfection, this base is genuinely versatile and welcomes whatever flavors you're craving. I've done versions with caramelized onions and roasted mushrooms, a spicy version loaded with jalapeños and red pepper flakes, and even a vegetarian version where I use finely chopped walnuts mixed with the traditional base seasonings. The beef is forgiving enough to handle bold toppings without losing its character, so experiment and trust your instincts.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This pizza feels most at home served alongside something fresh and bright, which balances the richness beautifully. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers complements it perfectly. We've also served it alongside garlic bread made from almond flour bread if we're feeling a little fancier, and the contrast between the soft bread and crispy pizza base is genuinely delightful.
- A cold beverage like iced tea or sparkling water cuts through the richness and makes eating feel effortless.
- Leftovers reheat wonderfully in a 180°C oven for about 8 minutes if you ever have any left over.
- This recipe scales easily, so double it if you're feeding more people and use two baking sheets.
Pin this This pizza has become one of those recipes I return to when I want something that feels special but doesn't require much fuss, and that's exactly what a good recipe should do. It proves that cooking doesn't require following all the traditional rules to land on something genuinely delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the beef base from becoming too greasy?
After baking, carefully drain any excess fat from the beef base to keep it from being greasy.
- → Can I use other toppings besides pepperoni?
Yes, alternatives like cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, or vegetarian options can be added for variety.
- → What spices enhance the ground beef base?
A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper brings out rich savory flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for low carb diets?
Yes, the ground beef crust and sugar-free pizza sauce keep this meal compatible with low carb plans.
- → How to achieve a crispy crust with ground beef?
Shape the beef into a 1 cm thick round with edges, bake at high heat until browned and set, ensuring a crispy texture.