If you’re on the hunt for a meal that satisfies every pizza craving but skips the carb-heavy crust, this Crustless Pizza Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and hearty toppings you love, baked together in a bubbling, skillet-style casserole that’s just as comforting as a classic pie. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply want a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish delivers big on flavor and weeknight convenience. Trust me, you won’t even miss the crust!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crustless Pizza Recipe keeps things deliciously simple, spotlighting fresh veggies, savory meat, and plenty of gooey cheese. Each ingredient has a role to play, bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the party—so don’t skip the details!
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1/2 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor foundation.
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced: For a pop of color and a subtle crunch—any color works!
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those savory juices.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with mellow, aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings that unmistakable pizza-shop flavor with a blend of herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essential seasonings to tie everything together.
- 1 cup low-carb marinara or pizza sauce: Tangy, saucy, and the heart of any pizza experience.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate cheese pull—use whole milk mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, nutty, and perfect for a golden, flavorful topping.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional): For briny, salty bites in every forkful.
- 12–15 slices pepperoni: Classic, slightly spicy, and beautifully crisp when baked.
- Red pepper flakes and chopped basil for garnish (optional): Adds color, heat, and a fresh finish.
How to Make Crustless Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large oven-safe skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and cooked through—this is where all those savory flavors begin. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease for a less oily finished dish!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Once your meat is cooked, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for 3–4 minutes, just until the veggies are starting to soften and their colors are bright.
Step 3: Layer and Sauce
Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in your skillet. If you’re using a baking dish, transfer everything over and smooth it out. Next, pour the low-carb marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the top, making sure every bit is coated. This step brings all those classic pizza vibes!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over the saucy layer—don’t be shy, more cheese means more gooey goodness! Top with black olives (if using) and arrange the pepperoni slices on top so every bite gets a taste of that spicy, crispy magic.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your skillet or baking dish into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for cheese that’s melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden. For an extra touch of pizza-shop authenticity, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end to get those irresistibly toasty cheese bubbles. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and get ready for pizza heaven!
How to Serve Crustless Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Bring this Crustless Pizza Recipe to life by scattering a handful of chopped fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. The basil adds a burst of freshness while the pepper flakes give just the right amount of zing. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make each serving feel like a pizzeria treat.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also shines alongside a crisp Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or a tangy slaw. For a low-carb dinner, try pairing it with garlic green beans or a simple mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. It’s all about balancing the rich, cheesy flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crustless Pizza Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. You can even make a “pizza bar” by setting out extra toppings like jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, or chopped spinach for everyone to customize their own slice-free pizza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover the cooled Crustless Pizza Recipe and tuck it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an extra-tasty lunch the next day. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep that cheesy goodness fresh.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, so feel free to double the batch and save some for later. Cut the cooled pizza casserole into portions, wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When the craving hits, you’ll have a homemade pizza fix ready to go!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the dish loosely and heat in 30-second bursts. Either way, you’ll bring back that fresh-from-the-oven flavor in no time.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of sausage or beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative for this Crustless Pizza Recipe. Just be sure to season it well, since these meats are milder and benefit from a bit of extra flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Crustless Pizza Recipe is perfect for keto and low-carb diets. Just double-check your marinara sauce for added sugars to keep things truly keto.
Can I add more vegetables or change the toppings?
Go for it! Feel free to toss in spinach, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some cooked bacon. This recipe is endlessly customizable, so make it your own with your favorite pizza toppings.
What’s the best way to make this dairy-free?
If you’re avoiding dairy, use your favorite plant-based cheese and check the sauce for hidden dairy ingredients. The dish will still be tasty and satisfying, with all the pizza flavors you love.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Prepare the Crustless Pizza Recipe up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed and enjoy a fresh, homemade meal with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all your favorite pizza flavors without the extra carbs, this Crustless Pizza Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s fast, adaptable, and absolutely loaded with cheesy, saucy goodness. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious pizza night can be—no crust required!
Print
Crustless Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious crustless pizza recipe offers all the classic flavors of traditional pizza without the carb-heavy crust, making it perfect for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. Featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup low-carb marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 12–15 slices pepperoni
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Meat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat. Stir and break apart the meat as it browns until fully cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked meat in the skillet. Cook together for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly and release their flavors.
- Assemble the Pizza Layer: Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet or transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking. Pour the low-carb marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the top of the meat and veggies, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Then, layer the sliced black olives and pepperoni evenly across the cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Bake and Brown: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and fully heated through. For a golden, slightly crisp finish on top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the crustless pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly so it sets better. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped basil if desired for a hint of heat and fresh herbal flavor. Cut into servings and enjoy warm.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for keto and low-carb diets due to the absence of traditional pizza crust.
- You can customize your pizza by adding toppings like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or spinach as desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 dish (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
