Keto Meat Lovers Pizza Skillet

The Keto Meat Lovers Pizza Skillet captures all the flavor and comfort of a classic meat-loaded pizza while skipping the carb-heavy crust entirely. A savory base of seasoned sausage stands in for dough, then gets layered with sugar-free tomato sauce, smoky bacon, spicy pepperoni, and plenty of melty mozzarella for a rich, satisfying meal. Baked and finished right in a cast-iron skillet, it delivers crispy edges, gooey cheese, and bold pizza seasoning with virtually no prep. This keto-friendly skillet is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game day spread, keeping carbs low and fats high so you can crush pizza cravings without leaving ketosis.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword gluten free, keto, low-carb, meat lovers, one pan, pizza skillet

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 560kcal

Equipment

10 inch cast iron skillet
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Wooden Spoon
measuring spoons
Small bowl
optional broiler safe baking sheet

Ingredients

For the meat base

1 pound bulk Italian sausage mild or hot, no added sugar
4 slices thick cut bacon cut into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the keto pizza sauce

3 tablespoons tomato paste no sugar added
3 tablespoons water to loosen the paste into a sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder optional
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese low moisture, part skim or whole milk
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni no sugar added
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more mozzarella
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
1 tablespoon olive oil if needed for browning, depending on sausage fat
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil optional garnish

Instructions

Place a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon, cooking until the fat renders and the pieces are crisp.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a small plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for browning the sausage.
Add the Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cooking until it is browned and cooked through.
If the skillet looks very greasy, spoon off a small amount of excess fat, leaving just enough to lightly coat the meat and pan.
Sprinkle the browned sausage with the sea salt and black pepper, then press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the skillet to form a compact meat base.
In a small bowl whisk together the tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until a smooth, spoonable sauce forms.
Spoon the keto pizza sauce over the pressed sausage base and spread it in an even layer all the way to the edges of the skillet.
Scatter the cooked bacon and sliced pepperoni evenly over the sauced meat base, tucking some pieces slightly into the sausage layer.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan if using, making sure to cover the surface completely.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling, about five to seven minutes.
For a browned, bubbly top, transfer the uncovered skillet to the top rack under a preheated broiler for one to three minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pizza skillet rest for about five minutes to set slightly so it slices cleanly.
Garnish the top with chopped fresh parsley or basil, slice the skillet into wedges, and serve hot straight from the pan.

Notes

For the lowest carbs, choose sausage, bacon, and pepperoni brands without added sugar or fillers and check labels carefully. If your sausage is very lean, add the olive oil to the skillet before browning so the base stays juicy and flavorful. This recipe reheats well in a hot skillet or oven, which helps the meat crisp back up and keeps the cheese gooey, while the microwave will soften the texture but still tastes great. Customize your toppings with very low carb additions like sliced olives, a few mushrooms, or green bell pepper, counting any extra carbs toward your daily total.

Nutrition