Description
This Crustless Pizza Bake is a flavorful, low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza. Made with seasoned ground Italian sausage or beef, fresh vegetables, pizza sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a delicious, easy-to-make casserole that satisfies pizza cravings without the crust. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this baked dish is customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Pepperoni slices for topping
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Meat: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage or ground beef until fully browned and cooked through, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season and Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes into the meat. Add sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, and chopped onion. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still retain some texture.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9-inch baking dish and spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Add sliced black olives and pepperoni slices on top if you desire extra toppings.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if preferred, then serve warm.
Notes
- Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as jalapeños, spinach, or bacon.
- Ideal for meal prep as it reheats well.
