Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake (Cheesy & Low-Carb)

Crustless Pizza Bake is a practical way to enjoy the flavors people love about pizza without dealing with dough, rise time, or complicated prep. It combines seasoned meat, rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings into a baked dish that’s easy to scoop, slice, and reheat. The result is comforting, familiar, and surprisingly versatile.

Homemade crustless pizza bake with melted mozzarella, sausage, and vegetables baked in a casserole dish

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This recipe is built for everyday cooking. Everything comes together in a single baking dish, using ingredients that are easy to find and simple to customize. Whether you’re short on time during the week, planning meals ahead, or feeding a family with different preferences, this crustless pizza bake adapts without extra effort.

By baking the ingredients together instead of layering them on dough, the flavors concentrate naturally. The sauce stays thick, the cheese melts evenly, and the toppings cook through without drying out. It delivers the satisfaction of pizza in a format that’s more flexible and easier to manage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crustless pizza bake works because it focuses on balance rather than shortcuts.

The meat creates a hearty, savory foundation
The sauce adds richness without making the dish watery
Cheese melts evenly and holds everything together
Vegetables add texture and contrast
The bake sets well and reheats without falling apart

It’s familiar enough for picky eaters, flexible enough for customization, and reliable for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 jar marinara or pizza sauce (about 24 ounces)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Vegetables

1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni slices
Black olives
Jalapeños
Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes

Tip: For low-carb or keto-style eating, choose a low-sugar sauce.

How to Make Crustless Pizza Bake

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Meat

Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
Drain excess grease to prevent the bake from becoming oily or watery. Use fully cooked sausage or cook raw sausage until no longer pink before assembling the bake.

3. Create the Base Layer

Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
This keeps the bake from sticking and adds flavor from the first layer.

4. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

Cooked sausage
Bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce

Mix gently until evenly combined.

5. Assemble the Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining 2 cups mozzarella and any optional toppings.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
For a lightly golden top, broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.

Close-up of crustless pizza bake showing layers of sausage, marinara, and bubbly mozzarella cheese

How to Serve Crustless Pizza Bake

Serve as a complete low-carb main dish
Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness
Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli
Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping

It works well for dinner, lunches the next day, or casual gatherings.

Tips for Best Results

Drain cooked meat thoroughly to control moisture
Avoid piling on too many toppings
Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting
Allow resting time before slicing for clean portions

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer
Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for best texture. Microwaving works but softens the cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining cooked sausage thoroughly, which can cause excess grease and watery texture
Using thin or watery sauce, leading to a loose bake
Overloading with toppings, which prevents the bake from setting properly
Skipping resting time before slicing, causing the bake to fall apart
Broiling without monitoring, which can burn the cheese quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey all work well. Add Italian seasoning to replace sausage flavor.

What sauce works best?
A thick marinara or pizza sauce is ideal. Avoid thin sauces that release excess liquid.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be, depending on sauce choice and toppings.

Can I add eggs to help it set?
Yes. Adding 2 beaten eggs creates a firmer, casserole-style texture.

Does this really taste like pizza?
Yes. The familiar flavor comes from the sauce, cheese, and toppings rather than the crust.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake is a dependable solution for busy nights when you want comfort food without extra steps. It keeps the flavors people expect from pizza while offering more flexibility, easier prep, and consistent results. Whether you’re cooking for family, planning ahead, or simply avoiding dough, this recipe delivers warmth, familiarity, and reliability in every serving.

Printable Recipe Card

Crustless Pizza Bake

Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free