Go Back Email Link
Slice of crustless pizza bake with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings on a plate
Isaac blogger

Crustless Pizza Bake

A cheesy, low-carb crustless pizza bake made with savory sausage, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Optional pizza toppings

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin:
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Preheat Oven
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Cook Sausage
  6. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  7. Prepare Base
  8. Spread ½ cup sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  9. Mix Filling
  10. In a bowl, combine cooked sausage, chopped vegetables, 1 cup sauce, and 1 cup cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
  11. Assemble
  12. Spread mixture evenly in baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and optional toppings.
  13. Bake
  14. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and edges are lightly golden and center is hot throughout.
  15. Optional Browning
  16. Broil 3–5 minutes if desired, until top is lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  17. Rest
  18. Let rest 5–10 minutes until bake firms slightly and slices hold their shape.
  19. Doneness & Texture Cues
  20. Cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  21. Center should be visibly hot throughout.
  22. Bake should feel set when cut, not loose or watery.

Notes

• Drain sausage well to prevent excess grease.

• Avoid too many toppings so the bake sets properly.

• Use thick marinara or pizza sauce for best texture.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store up to 3 days.

• Freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container.

• Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot throughout.