Weight Watchers High-Protein Crustless Pizza Bake!

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Weight Watchers High-Protein Crustless Pizza Bake

Last weekend, I was craving pizza but wanted something a little lighter and more filling than traditional pizza night. I had some lean ground turkey, vegetables, pizza sauce, and mozzarella in the fridge, so I decided to make a crustless pizza bake.

It turned out so satisfying! The seasoned turkey, melty cheese, mushrooms, peppers, and tangy pizza sauce gave me all those classic pizza flavors without the crust. My family loved it, and it was surprisingly filling thanks to all the protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein and lower in carbohydrates than traditional pizza
  • No pizza dough or crust to prepare
  • Cheesy, savory, and satisfying
  • Packed with vegetables
  • Great for meal prep and busy weeknights

Ingredients

  • 1 lb extra-lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
  • 1 cup part-skim or reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup reduced-fat Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 20 slices turkey pepperoni, optional
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Cooking spray
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Add the ground turkey and cook over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute.

2. Add the Sauce

Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes. This gives the turkey plenty of pizza flavor.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

Add the mushrooms, bell pepper, and red onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until they begin to soften.

4. Assemble the Bake

Lightly spray an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish.

Spread the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish.

Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, followed by the Parmesan.

Arrange the turkey pepperoni over the cheese if using.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

For a more browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

6. Rest & Serve

Let the pizza bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes if desired.

My Tips

  • Choose extra-lean turkey or chicken if you’re trying to keep the recipe lighter.
  • Drain excess liquid from the meat and vegetables so the bake doesn’t become watery.
  • Use reduced-fat mozzarella to lower the overall calorie and fat content.
  • Add plenty of vegetables for extra volume and texture.
  • Let it rest before serving so the layers hold together better.

Easy Variations

Supreme Style: Add black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and banana peppers.

Chicken Pizza Bake: Use extra-lean ground chicken instead of turkey.

Vegetarian: Replace the meat with extra mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers.

Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a little hot sauce.

Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken breast or use a high-protein cottage-cheese-based pizza sauce.

Serving Ideas

Serve this crustless pizza bake with a large green salad, roasted broccoli, steamed vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. It also works well as a meal-prep lunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.

You can also assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 280 | Protein: 31g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g

WW Points: The exact Points value depends on your current WW plan, ZeroPoint foods, brands, and serving size. WW’s current recipes show that Points can vary by ingredients and individual plan, so it’s best to enter the exact ingredients into the current WW recipe calculator rather than relying on an older fixed Points number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the entire bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going directly from the refrigerator.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, although lean ground turkey or chicken keeps the recipe lighter and higher in protein for the calories.

Can I leave out the turkey pepperoni?
Absolutely. The bake is still flavorful without it. Add extra mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or onions instead.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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