Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Try this Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe.

Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Step-by-step

  • To make the sauce, add onions, garlic and seasoning to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until fragrant and the onions become translucent, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add canned tomatoes and honey if using and bring to the boil then lower heat and simmer, partly covered, for about 15-20 minutes, until sauce is thickened and all water has evaporated.
  • Reduce to a fine puree with a stick blender, if desired. Set aside while you work on the crust.
  • Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat oven to 475F.
  • Use a box grater or the grater disc of your food processor to grate the cauliflower.
  • Place the grated cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cover loosely; microwave for about 4 minutes on high.
  • Place the cooked cauliflower in a fine mesh sieve and press it down real hard with a ladle or an unbreakable bowl or plate that fits snugly into the sieve; You need to remove as much water as you possibly can, so don’t be afraid to squeeze.
  • If you don’t have a fine mesh sieve, you could also dump the cauliflower onto a clean tea towel, let it cool for a few minutes then wrap it like you would a candy and squeeze the heck out of it by wringing the towel.
  • Add the cauliflower into a bowl, along with the rest of the ingredients. Mix well by hand until all the ingredients are well incorporated and resemble dough.
  • Place a piece of parchment paper onto a cutting board and dump your dough smack in the center. Form it first into a ball, then flatten it down gently with your fingers and form it into a nice, flat disc or approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter.
  • If you want a ticker border, you will have to also form that with your fingers, as the dough won’t rise.
  • Use the cutting board to slide your crust onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet that’s been sitting in the oven.
  • Bake for 8 - 11 minutes, until it starts to turn golden brown; remove from oven by sliding it back onto your cutting board.
  • Spread however much tomato sauce you like evenly over the cooked pizza crust; top with mushrooms and half the bell peppers; add ½ of the mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef, the rest of the bell peppers and sliced olives.
  • Finally, add the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Slide pizza back in the oven and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and the crust starts to color on the edge.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil, cut into wedges and ENJOY!
Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza

My Delicious Cauliflower Crust Pizza Adventure

Okay, friends, let's talk pizza. I'm a busy mom, juggling work, kids, and a social life (when I can squeeze it in!), so finding time to cook can be a challenge. But pizza night is a sacred ritual in our house, a time for family, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. Recently, I decided to try something new – a cauliflower crust pizza. I'd seen the recipes online, but was hesitant. Would it be as good as a traditional crust? Let me tell you, the answer is a resounding YES! This Ground Beef and Green Olive Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe is not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I started with a base of ground beef, adding a savory tomato sauce simmered with garlic and herbs. The slight sweetness of the honey in the sauce balances beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and the briny tang of the green olives. The cauliflower crust provides a satisfying crunch without the heaviness of a traditional dough. And the best part? My kids devoured it! They never suspected it wasn't their usual favorite pizza.

The process was surprisingly straightforward. Grating the cauliflower and squeezing out the excess moisture was the most time-consuming part, but well worth the effort for the lightness and crispness of the crust. I love how customizable this recipe is. You can easily swap out the toppings to fit your preferences and what you have on hand. Think pepperoni and extra cheese, spinach and artichoke, or even a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables.

Making this pizza felt like a small act of rebellion against the usual takeout options. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. In fact, this healthy pizza is much easier to make than I had anticipated! It's a quick weeknight meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. And seeing my family's happy faces as they ate every last slice? That's priceless.

Tips and Tricks for Pizza Perfection:

  • Don't skimp on squeezing the cauliflower: The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the crust.
  • Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet thoroughly: This ensures a perfectly crispy crust.
  • Don't overload the pizza with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
  • Experiment with different toppings: The possibilities are endless!
  • Make extra sauce: Leftover sauce is delicious on pasta or as a dip for veggies.

This cauliflower crust pizza recipe is a new staple in our household. It’s the perfect blend of healthy and delicious, a win-win for busy moms (and dads!) everywhere. I hope you’ll give it a try and share your pizza creations with me! Happy cooking!