If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of pizza without the fuss of dough, this Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a delicious, hearty dish loaded with savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, colorful veggies, and rich marinara that come together in a baking dish for a fuss-free, gluten-free twist on classic pizza. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of gooey cheese and robust tomato sauce, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether for a family dinner or casual gathering. Trust me, once you try this Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food anytime pizza cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe is wonderfully simple because the ingredients are both familiar and essential, working together to create that perfect pizza experience without the crust. Each element contributes to the flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish come alive.
- RAO’s marinara (1 jar): A rich, quality sauce forms the base and infuses the bake with classic Italian tomato flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melted mozzarella adds that irresistible creamy, stretchy texture pizza lovers adore.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a savory, slightly spicy depth of flavor and hearty protein to the dish.
- Green pepper, chopped (1): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Mushrooms (to taste): Earthy mushrooms add umami and texture contrasts.
- Onions (to taste): Sweet and aromatic, onions enhance the flavor profile perfectly.
- Additional pizza toppings of your choice: Feel free to add olives, pepperoni, or whatever your heart desires to make this bake truly yours.
How to Make Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the base layer
Start by pouring half a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful sauce foundation that will keep every bite saucy and satisfying.
Step 2: Mix the toppings
In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, chopped green pepper, mushrooms, onions, and any other toppings you love. Add one cup of shredded mozzarella and one cup of marinara. Stir everything together until well incorporated—this mixture is the heart and soul of your crustless pizza bake.
Step 3: Assemble the bake
Pour the topping mixture on top of the sauce in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This layer is packed with savory ingredients and lots of cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Add the cheese topping
Sprinkle the remaining two cups of mozzarella cheese over the top of your assembled bake. This final layer will melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly cheese blanket.
Step 5: Bake it to perfection
Bake the casserole at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. This allows the sausage to cook through and the cheese to bubble and brown nicely.
Step 6: Optional broil for extra crispiness
If you love your cheese with a little crispy, golden edge, broil the bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so nothing burns—this step adds a fantastic finishing touch.
Step 7: Enjoy the feast!
Your crustless pizza bake is ready to serve. Grab a spatula, dish it out, and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped basil or oregano on top right before serving adds a bright, herbal note that enhances the Italian flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This crustless pizza bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances out the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also complement the hearty main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve generous scoops in shallow bowls or on plates with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-style feel. You can also serve it in smaller, individual ramekins for a fun dinner party presentation that lets everyone have their own cheesy pizza bake experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your crustless pizza bake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick, satisfying meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake either before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, assemble it and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For cooked leftovers, portion them out and freeze, then reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the cheese nice and melty. Alternatively, the microwave works well for a quick reheat—just watch the cheese so it doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work great in this Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since there is no crust involved, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten or wheat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in spinach, zucchini, olives, or any other pizza toppings you enjoy. The recipe is very flexible and welcomes customization.
How spicy is the sausage in this bake?
Italian sausage varies, but generally it has a mild to moderately spicy kick that complements the sauce and cheese without overpowering the dish. You can always substitute with mild sausage or add extra chili flakes for more heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can! Just swap out the mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, and ensure that the marinara sauce does not contain added dairy—this way, you still get a delicious, comforting pizza bake experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about digging into this rich, melty Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe that feels like a cozy hug from your favorite pizza, but without the crust fuss. It’s quick, versatile, and utterly delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crustless Pizza Bake is a delicious low-carb twist on traditional pizza, combining Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for those who want all the flavor of pizza without the crust, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Base
- 1/2 cup RAO’s marinara sauce
Topping Mixture
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or meat combo of choice)
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- Mushrooms, to taste, sliced
- Onions, to taste, chopped
- Additional pizza toppings of your choice (e.g., olives, pepperoni, spinach)
- 1 cup RAO’s marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Mix the toppings: In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, chopped green pepper, mushrooms, onions, and any additional pizza toppings you prefer. Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of marinara sauce to the mixture and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the combined topping mixture over the marinara layer in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture for a rich, cheesy crustless pizza experience.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Broil (optional): For a crispier cheese top, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve a beautifully browned cheese layer.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your crustless pizza bake.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, pepperoni, or spinach.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter protein option.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set for easier slicing.
- This recipe works well for low-carb and gluten-free diets because it omits traditional pizza crust.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
