If you’re craving the rich, cheesy, savory goodness of pizza but want to skip the carbs, this Crustless Pizza Bake is the perfect solution. It delivers all the classic flavors of your favorite pizza — melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and delicious toppings — without the need for a traditional dough crust.
This recipe is simple, quick, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle, or you just want a lighter take on comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal, and it tastes just like pizza fresh out of the oven — minus the guilt.
Let’s dive into how to make this easy and satisfying crustless pizza bake.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef or Turkey
The base of the dish replaces the usual pizza crust with seasoned, browned meat. Ground beef adds rich flavor, while ground turkey keeps things lighter. Either choice provides a solid source of protein and helps the dish feel filling.
Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce
A rich, tomato-based sauce ties everything together. Choosing a sugar-free or low-carb marinara keeps this dish keto-friendly while adding that classic pizza tang. You can also make your own sauce with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Low-Carb Pizza Toppings
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Use your favorite pizza toppings to customize the flavor. Some delicious options include:
- Pepperoni – For a classic pizza flavor and crispy finish.
- Bell Peppers – Add color and natural sweetness.
- Onions – Provide mild sharpness and aroma.
- Mushrooms – Add an earthy, meaty texture.
- Olives – Give a salty, Mediterranean touch.
Cheese Layer
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate pizza cheese — melty, gooey, and irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones that balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy later.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Base
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to create a fine texture that layers evenly in the bake.
Once done, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Season lightly with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Marinara Sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of sugar-free marinara sauce along the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This will form the foundation of your pizza bake and keep the meat moist during baking.
Step 4: Add the Meat Layer
Spoon the cooked ground meat evenly over the marinara sauce. Press it down gently to form a compact layer — this acts as your “crust.”
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Now comes the fun part — the toppings! Scatter your chosen low-carb pizza toppings evenly over the meat layer. Use your favorites, or mix and match for a colorful, flavor-packed bake.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, followed by a layer of grated Parmesan cheese. These will melt beautifully and create that signature pizza look and taste.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Serve your crustless pizza bake warm — it’s delicious straight from the pan!
Tips for the Best Crustless Pizza Bake
- Drain the meat well: Removing excess fat prevents the dish from being greasy.
- Use a high-quality sauce: A good marinara or pizza sauce makes a huge flavor difference.
- Experiment with toppings: Try sausage, bacon, spinach, artichokes, or jalapeños for variety.
- Bake until bubbly: That golden cheese crust is what makes this dish irresistible.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully.
Variations
- Keto Supreme Pizza Bake: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, olives, onions, and mushrooms for a loaded version.
- Vegetarian Crustless Pizza Bake: Use sautéed zucchini, eggplant, spinach, and extra cheese instead of meat.
- Spicy Version: Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara or top with sliced jalapeños.
- BBQ Chicken Bake: Replace marinara with sugar-free BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken for a smoky twist.
Nutritional Benefits
This Crustless Pizza Bake isn’t just delicious — it’s also a nutritious option:
- High in protein from the meat and cheese, keeping you full longer.
- Low in carbs, making it ideal for keto or diabetic-friendly diets.
- Packed with nutrients from the vegetables and tomato sauce, including vitamins A, C, and potassium.
It’s a comfort food you can feel good about enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Top with fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with a glass of sparkling water or sugar-free lemonade for a refreshing finish.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the oven or microwave until hot and the cheese is melty again.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and gives a lighter texture. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. As long as you use sugar-free marinara and low-carb toppings, this dish fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives like almond or coconut-based mozzarella shreds.
4. How do I prevent it from being watery?
Drain your cooked meat thoroughly and avoid adding vegetables with high water content (like fresh tomatoes or zucchini) unless they’re pre-sautéed.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
6. What size casserole dish works best?
A 9×9-inch dish works well for this recipe, but you can adjust depending on how thick or thin you want your pizza bake.
Conclusion
This Crustless Pizza Bake proves that you don’t need dough to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional pizza. With its hearty layers of meat, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into any low-carb or keto lifestyle.
It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll realize it’s everything you love about pizza, just without the crust.