Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate weeknight comfort food: Crustless Pizza Bake! Imagine all the gooey, melty, savory flavors you crave in a classic pizza—without the hassle of rolling dough or waiting for a crust to rise. This low-carb, gluten-free beauty checks every box for an easy family meal, bursting with hearty ground meat, colorful veggies, and mountains of bubbling cheese. Whether you’re keto-curious or just want to skip the carbs, this is the one-pan wonder you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crustless Pizza Bake is in its simple, bold ingredients, each one playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Pick your favorites and let them shine, or swap in what you have on hand—there’s room to get creative, but every scoop promises major pizza vibes.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: The foundation of this bake provides rich, savory meatiness—use mild or spicy sausage to change things up.
- Onion, diced: Softened as it cooks, onion gives sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic, minced: Just two cloves pack a punch—don’t skip it if you love big, bold flavor!
- Pizza sauce or marinara: This is what ties it all together, adding tomatoey brightness and classic pizza tang.
- Italian seasoning: An easy way to get those pizzeria herbs into every forkful—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch turns up the heat and keeps things interesting—add more if you like it spicy.
- Sliced mushrooms: They get tender and savory in the oven, soaking up all those saucy flavors.
- Sliced bell peppers: For color and crunch, bell peppers are classic pizza toppings for a reason.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey stretch factor is strong with mozzarella—don’t be shy!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For a golden, extra-cheesy crust on top, cheddar is perfection.
- Sliced black olives: Salty and punchy, olives make every bite pop with flavor.
- Pepperoni slices: These get crispy-edged in the oven and infuse the whole bake with nostalgic pizza flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle just before serving.
How to Make Crustless Pizza Bake
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Before anything else, heat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This quick move ensures your Crustless Pizza Bake will slide out effortlessly and helps keep clean-up blissfully easy.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onion
Grab a trusty skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and diced onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions are turning translucent—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat for a less greasy, more satisfying result.
Step 3: Get Saucy
Add in the minced garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Give it a good stir and let everything simmer together for two to three minutes. This quick step lets the flavors mingle, filling your kitchen with that “pizza night” aroma.
Step 4: Layer on the Veggies and Cheese
Transfer your saucy meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the fun: sprinkle over the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives, then scatter HALF of your mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. This way, every bite is dotted with delicious surprises.
Step 5: The Pepperoni Finale
Layer your pepperoni slices across the top and finish everything off with the remaining cheese. The cheese acts like a “lid,” bubbling and browning in the oven, while the pepperoni delivers that classic pizzeria experience.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Slide your baking dish into the oven, uncovered, and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes. It’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly. Just before serving, sprinkle over fresh basil or parsley for a fragrant, colorful finish.
How to Serve Crustless Pizza Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving makes the Crustless Pizza Bake look as gorgeous as it tastes. If you love heat, a dusting of extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will jazz things up, while a scattering of extra olives gives it a pop of briny flavor.
Side Dishes
This bake is rich and hearty all on its own, but it pairs perfectly with vibrant sides. A simple green salad, perhaps tossed with lemony vinaigrette, brings a bright, fresh contrast. Steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini work well too, lightening up your plate without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Crustless Pizza Bake into individual ramekins for a fun party appetizer, or portion it into meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches. Serve it with a dollop of creamy ricotta, or pile it onto slices of toasted low-carb bread for a “pizza sandwich” twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crustless Pizza Bake stores like a champ. Simply cool the bake to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and delicious in your fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, divide your cooled pizza bake into portions and wrap each one tightly or use freezer-safe containers. Label with the date, and you’ll have ready-made pizza nights for up to two months—the flavors stay vibrant, and the cheese remains gooey after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. A quick broil at the end revives the cheesy top, so it’s as melty and irresistible as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic in Crustless Pizza Bake for a lighter twist. Just be sure to season well and perhaps add a splash more sauce, since lean meats can use a little extra moisture.
How can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian Crustless Pizza Bake, leave out the meat and double up on mushrooms, peppers, and your favorite pizza-inspired veggies like spinach or artichokes. Consider adding a layer of sautéed zucchini or eggplant for extra heartiness.
What other cheeses work well here?
While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, feel free to toss in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a handful of Parmesan for an extra savory kick. A mix of cheeses can make the flavor even more exciting!
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can! There are many non-dairy cheese alternatives available, and they melt beautifully over a hot pizza bake. Just check labels for melting properties, and use your favorites for the same cheesy, comfort-food experience.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the whole Crustless Pizza Bake, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes or so if it goes into the oven cold.
Final Thoughts
Crustless Pizza Bake is my go-to secret for getting all the fun and flavor of pizza night—without any of the heavy lifting. It’s endlessly customizable, always crowd-pleasing, and perfect for feeding your favorite people. Next time you’re craving something cheesy and cozy, give this bake a try. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Print
Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crustless Pizza Bake recipe is a low-carb twist on traditional pizza, packed with all the flavors you love without the added carbs from a crust. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 12–15 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meat mixture: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion in a skillet. Add garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the meat mixture to the baking dish. Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and half of the cheese. Add pepperoni slices and the rest of the cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like spinach or jalapeños.
- This dish is low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
