Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free – All the flavors of pizza without the crust.
Quick and Easy – Just mix, bake, and enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Use your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 jar RAO’s marinara (or your favorite marinara sauce)
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 lb ground Italian sausage (or any meat combo of your choice)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, chopped

Optional Toppings:

Pepperoni
Black olives
Jalapeños
Smoked turkey slices

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish – Pour ½ cup marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Cook the Meat – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Mix the Toppings – In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, chopped green pepper, mushrooms, onions, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish – Pour the topping mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheese – Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil (Optional) – For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Meat Lovers – Add extra turkey slices or ground beef for more protein.
Veggie Delight – Load up with spinach, zucchini, and black olives for a vegetarian version.
Extra Cheesy – Mix in some Parmesan or provolone for an even richer cheese pull.

Storage/Reheating

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes! Any pizza sauce works well in this recipe.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you use a low-carb marinara sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix in cheddar or Parmesan for more flavor.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Yes, if you want a heartier dish, mix in cooked pasta before baking.

How do I prevent the dish from being watery?

Make sure to drain any excess grease from the meat and avoid using too many watery vegetables like fresh tomatoes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How do I get a crispier top?

Broil the dish for 3-5 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly top.

Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option.

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Crustless Pizza Bake is an easy, satisfying, and customizable dish that delivers all the classic pizza flavors without the crust. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb or just looking for a quick dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family!