Cheesy, hearty, and loaded with savory meat, this Anti-Inflammatory Deep Dish Meat Lovers Pizza is a delicious way to enjoy serious comfort food while keeping protein high. A hearty crust is topped with rich tomato sauce, lean meats, colorful vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese for a satisfying homemade pizza with about 32g of protein per serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 32g protein per serving
- Deep-dish, cheesy, satisfying texture
- Loaded with savory meat and vegetables
- Packed with flavorful herbs and spices
- Great for meal prep
- Comfort food with a more balanced ingredient profile
Perfect For
This pizza is perfect for high-protein dinners, weekend meals, meal prep, family pizza nights, game days, and satisfying lunches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the crust — Too many toppings can make the center soggy.
- Using watery vegetables — Sauté mushrooms or other high-moisture vegetables first.
- Not preheating the pan — A properly heated oven helps create a better crust.
- Cutting immediately — Let the pizza rest for several minutes so the cheese and filling can set.
Required Equipment
- 10-inch deep-dish or cast-iron skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
- Sharp pizza cutter
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best crust.
Individual slices can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Best Season: All-season
Total Calories (Per Serving): Approximately 520 calories
Protein: ~32 g per serving
📝 Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Pizza Sauce
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes, no added sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Meat Toppings
- 4 oz (115 g) lean ground beef
- 3 oz (85 g) lean turkey sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 2 oz (55 g) turkey pepperoni, sliced
Vegetable & Cheese Toppings
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven.
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the deep-dish skillet or pan in the oven while it preheats if it is oven-safe. - Prepare the crust.
Combine whole-wheat flour, yeast, garlic powder, oregano, and salt in a bowl. - Add the wet ingredients.
Stir in warm water and olive oil until a dough forms. - Knead briefly.
Knead for about 3–4 minutes, until the dough is smooth. - Rest the dough.
Cover and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. - Cook the meat.
Brown the ground beef and turkey sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until fully done, then drain excess fat. - Sauté the vegetables.
Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes to remove excess moisture. - Make the sauce.
Combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. - Prepare the crust.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and lightly coat it with olive oil. Press the dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides. - Add the sauce.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. - Layer the toppings.
Add the cooked beef and turkey sausage, followed by mushrooms, peppers, onion, and turkey pepperoni. - Add cheese.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. - Bake.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. - Rest.
Allow the pizza to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. - Finish and serve.
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Anti-Inflammatory Tips
- Use extra-virgin olive oil instead of highly processed cooking oils.
- Choose leaner meats to keep saturated fat more moderate.
- Use plenty of garlic, oregano, turmeric, and colorful vegetables.
- Choose a tomato sauce without added sugar.
- Add extra vegetables such as spinach, roasted peppers, or mushrooms.
- Fresh herbs can add flavor without needing excessive salt.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving — Approximate
- Calories: ~520
- Fat: ~24 g
- Cholesterol: ~80 mg
- Sodium: ~850 mg
- Potassium: ~600 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~43 g
- Fiber: ~6 g
- Net Carbs: ~37 g
- Sugars: ~6 g
- Protein: ~32 g
- Calcium: ~300 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the meat, cheese, flour, and portion size used.
Notes
- Higher protein: Add extra lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Lower-carb: Use a low-carb crust and increase the vegetables.
- Extra cheesy: Add another ¼ cup mozzarella.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
- More vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Protein: Approximately 32g per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Lean ground chicken or turkey works well and keeps the pizza high in protein.
2. What makes this pizza anti-inflammatory?
The recipe emphasizes ingredients such as extra-virgin olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, turmeric, herbs, and vegetables while using leaner meats. “Anti-inflammatory” is a nutritional description rather than a medical treatment.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pizza flour blend or prepared gluten-free crust.
4. Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough and toppings ahead, refrigerate them separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
5. How can I make it even higher in protein?
Use additional lean ground turkey or chicken and choose a high-protein mozzarella. Greek-yogurt-based pizza sauces can also increase protein.
