Meatza

I have been eager to try a meatza for a while now and last night I gave it a whirl.  WOW.  It was so tasty it took everything in my power not to go back for seconds.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term "meatza" I will fill you in on the secret:  It's a play on the word "pizza" but uses ground meat as the crust and then is loaded with pizza sauce and veggies.  I know, it sounded a little gross to me at first too.  But it's not.  It's wonderful.

A pizza for meat lovers and paleo enthusiasts alike!

Ingredients (Serves 6):

2lb ground beef, preferably 100% grass fed
1 large egg, preferably omega-3 enriched
1tsp onion powder
1tsp garlic powder
1tsp dried oregano
2tbs fresh basil, thinly sliced
1c pizza or marinara sauce (look for one's without added sugar.  The best tasting one is Mario Batali's Tomato Basil Marinara and the cheapest is Ragu No Sugar Added)
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced (I used a mandoline)
1/2c sliced mushrooms
1/2c sliced black olives
1/2c thinly sliced onion
2tbs fresh basil, thinly sliced
1/2tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2c freshly grated parmesan (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400F.  In a large bowl, mix egg with beef and the next 4 spices.  Add about 2 tsp finely ground sea salt.  Spread your meat mixture evenly into a foil lined baking sheet.  Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven and pat with paper towels until you get the extra water/grease out of the pan.
2. Spread your meatza with pasta sauce.  Top with sliced tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion.  Sprinkle with olives and basil.  Reduce the heat to 350F and place the meatza back in the oven for 10 minutes longer (until the veggies are starting to soften).
3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parmesan.  Place back in the oven, turn the heat to broil, and cook for a few minutes until cheese is melted.  Remove (if needed, use a few more paper towels to soak up any remaining grease or liquid at the bottom of the baking sheet).
4. Slice and serve hot.