✅ Overview

If you love pizza but want something lighter, low-carb, and high in protein, this crustless pizza bake is your perfect solution. It has all the best parts of pizza — melty cheese, savory sauce, and flavorful toppings — without the heavy crust or extra carbs.

This recipe works great for keto diets, high-protein meal prep, or family dinners where everyone wants pizza without guilt. It’s comforting, simple, and super customizable.

🧀 Ingredients

🔹 Meat & Base Layer:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
    (Choose lean ground meat for less grease — or go with spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.)
  • 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade; low-sugar if you’re keto)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for cooking the meat)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

🔹 Vegetables & Toppings:

  • ½ cup chopped green or red bell peppers
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, turkey pepperoni, or cooked sausage pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

(You can customize this with spinach, jalapeños, zucchini, or any veggies you love.)

🔹 Cheese Layer:

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • (Optional): ¼ cup shredded cheddar or provolone for extra richness

🍅 Homemade Pizza Sauce (optional but recommended)

If you’d like to make your own sauce, here’s a quick one:

  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon basil
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Simmer for 5–7 minutes over low heat until thickened.

🔥 Step-by-Step Directions

🥄 Step 1: Cook the Meat Base

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if using.
  2. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. When the meat starts to brown, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  4. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned (no pink left).
  5. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  6. Stir in your pizza sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the mixture to slightly thicken. 💡 Tip: Taste the sauce at this stage. If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance it.

🥘 Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  3. Pour the meat mixture into the bottom of the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  4. Now, layer your veggies — bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions — evenly over the meat layer.
  5. Add any extra toppings you like (such as pepperoni or cooked sausage).
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the top, followed by Parmesan.
  7. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes on top.
  8. Add pepperoni slices as the final topping layer if desired — this gives that classic pizza look and flavor.

🔔 Step 3: Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top. 💡 Tip: For a browned, crispy cheese top, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes — but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
  3. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up a bit and makes it easier to cut into squares.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil or airtight bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave (1–2 minutes per serving) or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

🧮 Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

(Will vary depending on ingredients used)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: 30–32g
  • Fat: 18–20g
  • Carbohydrates: 6–8g
  • Sugar: ~4g

🌈 Recipe Variations

🥓 Keto-Friendly / Low-Carb

  • Use sugar-free pizza sauce.
  • Stick with full-fat cheese for flavor and creaminess.
  • Avoid high-carb vegetables like corn or carrots.

🌱 Vegetarian Option

  • Swap meat for plant-based crumbles, chopped tempeh, or tofu crumbles.
  • Add extra vegetables: spinach, zucchini, eggplant, or sun-dried tomatoes.

🌶️ Spicy Supreme

  • Add jalapeños, spicy Italian sausage, and a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

🍳 Breakfast Version

  • Replace the meat layer with scrambled eggs mixed with a little milk.
  • Top with bacon bits, cheese, and veggies. Bake 15–20 minutes at 375°F.

🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Edition

  • Add roasted garlic cloves or garlic butter drizzle on top before baking for extra depth.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve hot with a side of green salad or steamed broccoli.
  • Add a drizzle of ranch, hot honey, or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
  • For meal prep, portion into individual containers with a small side of veggies or cauliflower rice for a full low-carb meal.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Crustless Pizza Bake

  1. Drain the meat well — excess grease can make the bake soggy.
  2. Use freshly shredded cheese, not pre-shredded (it melts creamier).
  3. Let it rest before cutting — the layers hold together better.
  4. Customize it every time — it’s a great “clean out the fridge” meal.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Crustless Pizza Bake delivers all the comfort of pizza night without the carbs or hassle of dough. It’s meaty, cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re on keto, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying — this recipe never disappoints.