Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake

Enjoy all the delicious flavors of your favorite pizza without the crust! This Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake is loaded with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, colorful peppers, olives, and Italian herbs. It’s cheesy, satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb pizza alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup pizza sauce (no added sugar if preferred)
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ green bell pepper, diced
– ¼ cup sliced black olives
– ¼ cup sliced green olives
– ½ small onion, diced
– ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the ground beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces until fully browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season the beef

Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings.

Step 4: Add pizza sauce

Stir the pizza sauce into the cooked beef. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 5: Assemble the casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle sliced black and green olives over the top.

Step 6: Add the cheese

Cover everything generously with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If desired, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes for a beautifully browned top.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 29 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fat 23 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 4 g

Values are estimates and depend on the meat, cheese, and pizza sauce used.
All Nut Information
Does this recipe contain nuts?

The basic recipe does not require nuts.
– Almonds: Not included.
– Walnuts: Not included.
– Pecans: Not included.
– Cashews: Not included.
– Peanuts: Not included.
– Pistachios: Not included.
Nut allergy precautions:
– Check pizza sauce and seasoning labels.
– Check packaged cheese for allergen and cross-contact warnings.
– Use ingredients from trusted manufacturers if preparing for someone with a nut allergy.
Optional toppings: Chopped walnuts or almonds are not traditional pizza toppings and are entirely unnecessary for this recipe.
No nuts required
Helpful Tips for the Best Pizza Bake
1. Drain excess grease: This prevents the casserole from becoming oily.
2. Use freshly shredded cheese: It often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
3. Avoid watery vegetables: Drain mushrooms and tomatoes if they release too much moisture.
4. Customize your toppings: Add pepperoni, cooked sausage, spinach, or jalapeños.
5. Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes makes serving easier.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
Questions & Answers (Q&A)
Q1: Is crustless pizza bake keto-friendly?

Yes! The basic recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates. Choose a low-carb pizza sauce and check the ingredient labels to keep carbs controlled.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a lighter alternative.

Q3: Can I add pepperoni?

Yes! Add sliced pepperoni before topping with cheese for a classic pizza flavor.

Q4: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Replace ground beef with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Q5: How do I prevent my pizza bake from becoming watery?

Drain excess grease from the beef and avoid adding too many watery vegetables. Cook mushrooms before adding them.

Q6: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

Q7: What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is ideal for its stretchy texture. Parmesan, cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack are also delicious.

Q8: Can I make it without pizza sauce?

Yes! Use crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, and a little salt.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free. Check the pizza sauce, seasonings, and packaged ingredients for gluten-containing additives.

Q10: Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes! Cool completely, divide into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q11: What can I serve with crustless pizza bake?

A fresh garden salad, roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or cauliflower rice make excellent side dishes.

Q12: How do I know when it’s ready?

The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the center should be thoroughly heated. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).

Final Result: All the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza without the traditional crust! This Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake is perfect for pizza lovers looking for an easy, delicious, low-carb dinner. 🍕🧀