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
Scale
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.
