Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Pizza Night Just Got Better—No Crust Needed!
Craving all those savory pizza flavors but trying to avoid the carbs? This Crustless Pizza Bake is your new go-to. It’s a cheesy, meaty, totally satisfying meal with zero dough involved. Packed with melty mozzarella, rich marinara, and your favorite toppings, it’s like your favorite slice—just scooped from a baking dish!
Why You’ll Love This Crustless Pizza Bake
- Quick & Simple: No rolling dough or complicated prep.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pizza toppings.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Perfect for keto or carb-conscious eaters.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef/chicken)
- 1 jar marinara or pizza sauce (RAO’s recommended)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Optional: Pepperoni, olives, jalapeños, etc.
Tip: Use a sugar-free sauce for a keto-friendly version!
How to Make Crustless Pizza Bake
1. Preheat Your Oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Base
Pour ½ cup sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish to cover the bottom.
3. Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Sausage (browned and drained)
- Peppers, mushrooms, onions
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Stir until well combined.
4. Layer It Up
Spoon mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Top with 2 cups mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings.
5. Bake
Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Broil for 3–5 minutes if you want a golden, crispy top.
6. Cool & Serve
Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.
Sprinkle with herbs or more cheese if desired. Enjoy!
What to Serve With It
- Crisp Side Salad – something light to balance the richness
- Roasted Veggies – like zucchini or broccoli
- Garlic Bread – for dipping into that saucy goodness
- Extra Marinara – because more sauce = more joy
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: Prep the meat mixture in advance for easy assembly.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze It: Assemble and freeze before baking—perfect for meal prep!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Too Much Liquid from Veggies: Some vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or even fresh spinach) release a lot of water as they cook. If you’re adding these, consider sautéing them briefly beforehand to draw out some moisture. This prevents your bake from becoming watery.
- Overloading the Toppings: It’s tempting to pile on everything, but too many toppings can make the bake dense, watery (if toppings release moisture), or prevent even cooking. Stick to a good, balanced amount for the best flavor and texture.
- Uneven Cheese Melt: Spread your cheese evenly over the top. If it’s clumped in one spot, it might not melt fully or could burn in other areas. A nice, even layer ensures gooey goodness throughout.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Without a crust, the flavor really relies on your sauce, cheese, and toppings. Don’t be shy with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to boost the overall taste.
- Baking Dish Size: Using a dish that’s too large can make your bake too thin and dry. If it’s too small, it might overflow. Stick to the recommended size in your recipe for ideal thickness and cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different cheeses for my Crustless Pizza Bake? A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that signature pizza stretch, you can get creative. A mix of mozzarella and provolone, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even some sharp cheddar can add wonderful depth of flavor.
Q: What kind of sauce is best? A: Your favorite pizza sauce or marinara sauce works perfectly. You can use store-bought for convenience or a homemade version if you have time. Just ensure it’s not too watery.
Q: Can I make this Crustless Pizza Bake low-carb? A: Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb since it skips the bread crust. Just be mindful of any added sugars in your sauce and choose low-carb toppings like meats and non-starchy vegetables.
Q: How do I store leftovers, and do they reheat well? A: Store any leftover Crustless Pizza Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. For a crispier texture when reheating, use an oven or air fryer.
Q: Can I freeze this pizza bake? A: Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, cut the bake into individual portions and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best quality.
Save It on Pinterest!
This Crustless Pizza Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, family dinners, or low-carb lifestyles. Packed with flavor, easy to customize, and ready in under 40 minutes—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Printable Recipe Card
Crustless Pizza Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara (RAO’s or preferred brand)
- 3 cups mozzarella (divided)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Optional: pepperoni, olives, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add ½ cup marinara to bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Combine cooked sausage, 1 cup marinara, 1 cup cheese, and veggies in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in dish.
- Top with 2 cups cheese and additional toppings.
- Bake 20 min; broil 3–5 min for a golden top.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve!
Nutrition (approx.):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 26g | Sugar: 5g
Let’s Hear From You!
Tried this recipe? Snap a pic and tag us—we’d love to see your crustless creation!
