If you've been craving pizza but ALSO want something loaded with veggies, protein, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, my healthy pizza skillet is about to become your new best friend! It has all the flavors of skillet pizza! It has melty mozzarella, crisp pepperoni, savory ground beef, and Italian-inspired seasoning, without the dough (for a low carb, healthy and delicious dinner!). And the whole thing comes together in ONE skillet! The whole family will love this delicious meal!
This is one of those recipes that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients, minimal effort, and the joy of eating pizza in a totally different (healthy!) way. It's cozy, satisfying, nutrient-packed, and perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
This recipe was inspired by my low carb pizza skillet. This variation uses different vegetables but still has the same idea! If you love this meal and you're looking for some other healthy dinner ideas, you will love my easy and healthy chicken alfredo bake, slow cooker enchiladas, easy homemade personal pizza (high protein) , and my 30 minute gluten-free ground beef and broccoli recipe.
Why you'll love my healthy pizza skillet
- It tastes like your favorite pizza… but without the heaviness!
- Packed with protein, veggies, and melty shredded mozzarella.
- One-skillet cooking = fewer dishes (the best news).
- Ready in under 25 minutes!
- Fully customizable. Add pepperoni, olives, Italian seasoning, or whatever your favorite toppings are.
- It's low carb, keto-friendly, and family approved!
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Ingredients
All you need to make my healthy pizza skillet is:
- Bell Peppers, chopped: I love using red and orange peppers for sweetness and color, but green bell peppers work too!
- Mushrooms, chopped: mushrooms add hearty texture and soak up all that pizza flavor in the skillet.
- Yellow Onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent.
- Spinach (optional): Adds color and nutrients to the dish
- Lean Ground Beef (90/10): A protein-packed base that keeps this skillet light yet filling.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: The simple seasoning combo that gives this dish serious pizza vibes.
- Marinara Sauce: adds acidity and the classic pizza flavor
- Low-Fat Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for that classic stretchy cheese moment.
- Nitrate-Free Pepperoni (or Turkey Pepperoni!): Adds the iconic pizza flavor! Turkey pepperoni keeps it on the lighter side.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat and cook for 7-10 minutes until the ground beef until browned. Season with half the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to build flavor!
- Step 2:Add the Veggies. Toss in your chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Add the remaining seasonings and cook 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and the onions are translucent. Then add in the spinach and mix until wilted.
- Step 3: Add the Cheese + Pepperoni. Mix in the marinara sauce and allow it to heat through.Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then layer on the pepperoni slices like you would a regular pizza!
- Step 4: Broil to Perfection. Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melty and the pepperoni gets slightly browned and crispy. Serve hot or pre-portion into 4 containers for meal-prep.
Substitutions
You can swap things in and out easily to match your preferences:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. It has no pizza dough needed and no gluten-containing ingredients used.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free shredded mozzarella (like a cashew or almond-based version). Everything else stays the same!
- Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils, or crispy chickpeas.
- Keto/Low-Carb: You're already set! This healthy pizza skillet is low carb and keto-friendly as written.
Variations
- Olive Lovers: Sprinkle sliced black olives for classic pizza flavor.
- Meat Lovers Version: Add turkey bacon bits or ground turkey.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Pepperoni Skillet: Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Large Skillet - A large skillet makes it easy to sauté and broil all in one.
- Sharp Knife - For chopping veggies.
- Broiler - To finish the top with bubbling cheese and crispy pepperonis.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in a skillet on medium-low heat or in the microwave.
This is also super make-ahead friendly-great for meal prep lunches or busy weeknights!
Christina's Dietitian Tip:
This skillet is a fun way to pack in more vegetables while keeping those familiar flavors your taste buds already love! It's balanced with quality protein, fiber, and satisfying fat. If you want to make it even more nutrient-dense, serve it over cauliflower rice or pair it with a big side salad!
FAQ
Yes! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based "ground meat" all work great in this healthy pizza skillet. Just be sure to season well, since leaner meats can be a little milder in flavor.
Nope! Any large oven-safe skillet works. Cast iron gives the best browning and that classic pizza skillet vibe, but stainless steel works too. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, simply transfer everything to a baking dish before broiling.
A 10-12 inch skillet is perfect. If you're using a smaller one, you may need to reduce the veggies slightly so it doesn't overflow.
Dinner
Looking for other easy dinner recipes like this? Try these:
Jump to: Recipe
Healthy Pizza Skillet
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Large Skillet
- Sharp Knife
- Broiler
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Lean ground beef 90/10
- 2 Bell peppers chopped (1 red, 1 orange- choose your favorite color)
- 1 package 8 oz Mushrooms, chopped
- ½ Large Yellow onion chopped
- 2 cups spinach optional
- 1 teaspoon Salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 2 tsps onion powder
- 1.5 cups Rao's Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup-1.5 cup Low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 9-10 slices Nitrate-free or turkey pepperoni
Instructions
- Heat your skillet on medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Season with half the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to build flavor!
- Toss in your chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Add the remaining seasonings and cook 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and the onions are translucent. Then add in the spinach and mix until wilted.
- Mix in the marinara sauce and allow it to heat through. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then layer on the pepperoni slices like you would a regular pizza!
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melty and the pepperoni gets slightly browned and crispy. Serve hot or pre-portion into 4 meal prep air-tight containers.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 160 °F
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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