Zucchini Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Zucchini Pizza is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, featuring layers of fresh zucchini, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. This easy-baked dish brings together familiar flavors in a lighter, veggie-packed meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced olives
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced zucchinis in a single layer at the bottom of the dish and sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef until cooked through; drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked meat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the zucchini layer, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add a second layer of zucchini slices on top.
6. Step 6: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the new zucchini layer and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the zucchini pizza to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content, or try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, thin slices of eggplant or yellow squash can be substituted to create a similar layered effect and flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.

Zucchini Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

A delicious, low-carb Zucchini Pizza casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground turkey or beef, zesty pizza sauce, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A perfect healthy twist on classic pizza that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced olives
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the zucchini base: Arrange the sliced zucchini rounds evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish and sprinkle lightly with salt to enhance flavor and draw out some moisture.
3. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
4. Simmer meat sauce: Add the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning to the browned meat in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Layer the casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the remaining zucchini slices in a single layer.
6. Top and bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the second layer of zucchini and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a bright, herbal finish before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken depending on preference.
• Adding bell peppers and olives provides extra texture and flavor, but these can be omitted or replaced with other favorite toppings.
• For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium pizza sauce and reduce added salt.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
• Optional: sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.

Keywords: Zucchini pizza, low carb pizza, baked pizza casserole, ground turkey pizza, healthy pizza recipe