This crustless pizza bake delivers all the classic pizza flavors you love in a hearty, low-carb casserole form. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with savory toppings, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners without the need for dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple to prepare, highly customizable, and comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. It’s a great option if you want pizza flavor without the crust, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt to different tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound halal beef or chicken Italian-style sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetables with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
You can swap the sausage for cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a different flavor. Add black olives, spinach, or extra mushrooms for more vegetables. For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It is low in carbohydrates since it has no crust, but always check your sauce and sausage labels for carb content.
Can I freeze crustless pizza bake?
Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
You can use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Do I need to cook the vegetables first?
Cooking them briefly helps remove excess moisture and improves texture, but you can skip this if you prefer firmer vegetables.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely, homemade marinara works very well in this recipe.
How do I prevent a watery bake?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat and avoid overly watery vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild, cheesy, and very kid-friendly.
Can I add more sauce?
You can increase the sauce slightly if you prefer a saucier bake, but too much may make it loose.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this bake.
Conclusion
Crustless pizza bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings all the joy of pizza in an easy, satisfying casserole. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for quick, delicious meals.
This crustless pizza bake is a low-carb, gluten-free casserole packed with classic pizza flavors—savory sausage, marinara, melty cheese, and hearty vegetables—without the crust. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound halal beef or chicken Italian-style sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
In a bowl, combine cooked sausage and vegetables with 1 cup marinara and 1 cup mozzarella. Stir to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 3–5 minutes for a golden top if desired.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap sausage with ground beef or shredded chicken if preferred.
Add black olives, spinach, or jalapeños for variety.
Drain grease and avoid watery vegetables to prevent sogginess.
Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
