Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza with Savory Meat Topping
Discover a delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings with this Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza featuring a flavorful meat topping. With a savory zucchini crust that's both crispy and satisfying, this recipe is perfect for those looking to reduce carbs without compromising on flavor. Topped with a hearty mix of ground beef and turkey, fresh herbs, and plenty of cheese, this dish is not only healthy but also packed with protein. Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner, this zucchini crust pizza will be a hit with family and friends alike!
4
Servings
330
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 large (grated)
Salt
as needed
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Whole-grain wheat flour or wheat germ
1/2 cup
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (grated)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Ground beef
1/2 lb
Ground turkey
1/2 lb
Parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
Fennel seeds
2 teaspoons
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
to taste
Dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dry red wine
1/4 cup
Mozzarella cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the grated zucchini in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2
After 10 minutes, rinse the zucchini under cold water and drain thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel to press out any remaining liquid.
3
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, beaten eggs, whole-grain wheat flour (or wheat germ), mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well until fully combined.
5
Transfer the mixture to a greased pizza pan, pressing it into a round shape to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until slightly golden.
6
Remove the crust from the oven and brush the top with an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and turkey until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
8
Add the minced parsley, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant.
9
Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits. Cook until the wine has evaporated, then allow the filling to cool slightly.
10
Once the crust is done, scatter the meat mixture evenly over the top. Finish with the additional shredded mozzarella cheese.
11
Bake the pizza for another 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the pizza to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza with Savory Meat Topping?
It is a healthier pizza alternative featuring a crust made from grated zucchini, eggs, and cheese, topped with a flavorful blend of ground beef and turkey.
How many calories are in one serving of this zucchini pizza?
Each serving contains 330 calories.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the crust?
Grate 2 large zucchinis, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, rinse, and then press out all excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
Why do I need to salt the zucchini?
Salting the zucchini helps draw out excess water, which prevents the pizza crust from becoming soggy.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 32.5g per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking the crust and the final pizza.
Can I use wheat germ instead of whole-grain wheat flour?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/2 cup of either whole-grain wheat flour or wheat germ as a binder for the crust.
How many eggs are required for the zucchini crust?
The crust requires 4 beaten eggs to help bind the zucchini and cheese together.
What types of cheese are used in the crust?
The crust uses 1 cup of grated mozzarella and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How long does the crust bake before adding toppings?
The crust is baked in two stages: first for 20 minutes, then brushed with oil and baked for another 15 minutes.
What meats are in the savory topping?
The topping features a 1:1 mix of 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground turkey.
What herbs and spices season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with parsley, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and minced garlic.
Why is dry red wine used in the meat topping?
Red wine is used to deglaze the skillet, which incorporates the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the meat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this zucchini pizza suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep as it holds up well and provides a balanced meal of protein and vegetables.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 21g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to grease the pizza pan?
Yes, you should use a greased pizza pan to ensure the zucchini crust doesn't stick.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil, used both in the crust mixture and for brushing the crust.
How much garlic is used in the topping?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves for the savory meat mixture.
What herbs are mixed into the crust?
The crust is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano.
How long do I cook the meat before adding it to the pizza?
Brown the meat until cooked through, then sauté with herbs for about 2 minutes and cook with wine until the liquid evaporates.
Can I substitute the meat types?
While the recipe suggests beef and turkey, you can easily use all beef, all turkey, or ground chicken depending on your preference.
How much additional cheese goes on top of the meat?
An additional 1/4 lb of shredded mozzarella is scattered over the meat before the final bake.
How long is the final baking time once the pizza is assembled?
Bake the assembled pizza for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Should the pizza be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the pizza cool for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set before slicing.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to your heat preference.
What provides the savory flavor in the meat?
The combination of fennel seeds, garlic, red wine, and dried thyme creates a complex, savory flavor profile.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, though you may need to increase the quantities slightly as fresh herbs are generally less concentrated than dried ones.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written with wheat flour or wheat germ, it contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a certified gluten-free flour or almond meal.