A WW Crustless Pizza Bake is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without all the carbs and calories associated with a traditional pizza crust. This dish is an ideal option for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, as it’s packed with protein and veggies, while being low in points. By skipping the crust, you’re cutting out unnecessary calories and carbs, while still enjoying the comforting, cheesy, and savory goodness of pizza. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this crustless pizza bake can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
The beauty of a WW Crustless Pizza Bake lies in its flexibility. The base of the recipe is typically lean ground meat (such as turkey, chicken, or lean beef), combined with a rich, tangy tomato sauce and topped with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Ground turkey or lean ground beef are great protein options that keep the dish filling without contributing too many points. The sauce can be store-bought or homemade, and opting for a low-sugar marinara or pizza sauce can help keep the points lower. You can also add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach for extra flavor, nutrition, and volume without adding many additional points.
Cheese is one of the key ingredients in a crustless pizza bake, and it’s easy to make this dish WW-friendly by using reduced-fat cheese or part-skim mozzarella, which will provide all the creamy, melty goodness of pizza without the excess fat and calories. Just a small amount of cheese can go a long way in adding that satisfying cheesy layer that is essential to pizza. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or a bit of ricotta for extra richness. For extra flavor, season the dish with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder, which enhance the pizza-like taste.
One of the best things about this WW Crustless Pizza Bake is how easy and quick it is to prepare. All you need to do is layer your ingredients in a baking dish, starting with the cooked ground meat (if you’re using meat), followed by the sauce, veggies, and cheese. Then, bake it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and you’re ready to serve. This dish also works well as a meal prep option. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days, or portioned out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors only deepen after sitting, making it a convenient and tasty option to have on hand.
A WW Crustless Pizza Bake is an excellent way to satisfy pizza cravings while sticking to a healthy eating plan. The dish is naturally low in carbs, and by using lean proteins and controlling your cheese portion, you can keep the points relatively low while still making it a hearty, comforting meal. It’s the perfect combination of savory pizza flavors, protein, and veggies, and with the right ingredients, it can easily be a low-calorie, high-satisfaction meal for the whole family to enjoy.
WW Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground chicken (or lean ground beef)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (look for a low-sugar variety for fewer points)
- 1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup reduced-fat or fat-free ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (for sautéing)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil spray over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or other meat) and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the veggies: While the meat is cooking, sauté the bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions in the same skillet for about 3-4 minutes, just until they soften. You can skip this step if you prefer raw veggies or add your favorite toppings instead.
- Combine the ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked ground meat evenly. Top it with the sautéed vegetables, then pour the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper on top of the sauce.
- Layer the cheese: Dollop small spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese (if using) over the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire dish. You can also sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If you’d like the cheese to be more golden and crispy, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Serve: Once the pizza bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into servings. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh basil for added flavor.
Serving Size and Points:
This recipe should serve 4 generous portions. The points will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and substitutions, but here’s a general idea:
- Calories: ~250-300 per serving
- WW Points (Green/Blue/Purple): 6-7 points per serving (depending on the lean ground meat, cheese, and any substitutions)
Optional Add-ins and Substitutions:
- Vegetables: You can add any other veggies you like to your crustless pizza bake. Zucchini, spinach, or even artichoke hearts would work well in this dish.
- Cheese: Feel free to reduce the cheese to lower the points even further, or use a combination of part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan for added flavor.
- Protein: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
