A protein-packed entree that's perfect for family pizza night! Make some of these meatza crusts if you're craving a little extra protein, top with your favorite pizza toppings, and you've got an easy and tasty dinner!
This recipe also contains one of our Balanced Bites Spice Blends - ITALIAN Spice Blend - which you can shop here!
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUSTS
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons almond meal, store-bought* or homemade
- 2 tablespoons ITALIAN Spice Blend
FOR THE TOPPINGS
(or use any of your favorites!)
- 1 head garlic, roasted and mashed (see Kitchen Tip)
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, for garnish
- cheese if you like
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350º.
If you plan to use roasted garlic as a topping, pop it in the oven now, as it takes 40 minutes to roast (see Kitchen Tip).
Make the crusts: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, pork, eggs, almond meal (if using), and ITALIAN blend; mix until well incorporated.
Divide the meat mixture into two 8-ounce portions and form into crusts approximately 6 inches across and 1/4-inch thick. Bake on a rimmed sheet for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the crusts from the oven and set aside.
While the crusts are baking, prepare the toppings. If you choose to grill your vegetable toppings (zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper), brush a grill or grill pan with coconut oil and preheat it to medium-high heat. Cook the vegetables for approximately 3 minutes per side.
Increase the oven temperature to 425º.
Top the meatza crusts with the toppings of your choice, then place back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until the toppings soften just a bit.
Notes
To make roasted garlic, slice the top and bottom off of a whole garlic bulb, then top with 2 tablespoons of cooking fat, wrap securely in aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes.