A cheesy, comforting, low-carb pizza casserole packed with classic pizza flavors — without the crust. Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.

Yield

6 servings

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: About 55 minutes

Ingredients

Base Layer

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pizza Sauce Layer

• 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings (Choose Your Favorites)

• Pepperoni slices
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Black olives
• Cooked bacon
• Spinach
• Jalapeños
• Cooked chicken
• Red onions

Nut & Allergen Information

Nut Status

This recipe is:

• Naturally peanut-free
• Naturally tree nut-free

Important Allergy Notes

Always check labels on:

• Pizza sauce
• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Pre-shredded cheese

Some packaged foods may be processed in facilities that handle nuts.

Common Allergens Present

How to Make It Allergy-Friendly

Dairy-Free

Use:

• Dairy-free mozzarella
• Dairy-free Parmesan substitute

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally low in gluten, but verify:

• Sausage
• Pepperoni
• Sauce
• Seasonings

Vegetarian Version

Skip meat and use:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Plant-based crumbles

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to:

• 375°F (190°C)

Lightly grease baking dish.

2. Cook the Meat

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.

Add:

• Ground beef or sausage
• Onion

Cook until browned and onions soften.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

3. Add Sauce & Seasoning

Stir in:

• Pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer 3–5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Bake

Spread meat mixture into baking dish.

Top with:

1. Mozzarella cheese
2. Parmesan cheese
3. Favorite toppings

5. Bake

Bake uncovered:

• 25–30 minutes

Cheese should be:

• Melted
• Golden
• Bubbling

6. Rest Before Serving

Let sit:

• 5–10 minutes

This helps slices hold together.

Optional Add-Ins

You can mix into the bake:

• Cooked cauliflower rice
• Ricotta cheese
• Spinach
• Extra herbs
• Sliced zucchini

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Caesar salad
• Garlic green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• Keto breadsticks

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store covered up to:

• 4 days

Freezer

Freeze up to:

• 2 months

Wrap tightly before freezing.

Reheating

Oven

• 350°F for 15 minutes

Microwave

• 1–2 minutes per slice

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 350–500
• Protein: 22–30g
• Carbohydrates: 6–12g
• Fat: 22–35g

Depends on toppings and meat used.

Why People Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan meal
• Low-carb alternative to pizza
• High protein
• Kid-friendly
• Great for meal prep
• Customizable toppings

Q&A

Q: Is crustless pizza keto-friendly?

Yes.
Most versions are low in carbohydrates and fit keto diets when using low-sugar sauce.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use turkey sausage or chicken?

Yes.
Lean meats work very well.

Q: Why is my pizza bake watery?

Possible causes:

• Vegetables releasing moisture
• Too much sauce
• Not draining cooked meat

Tip:
Pre-cook watery vegetables like mushrooms.

Q: Can I add eggs?

Yes.
Some versions mix in 2–4 eggs for a firmer casserole texture.

Q: Can I make it spicy?

Definitely.
Add:

• Jalapeños
• Hot sausage
• Red pepper flakes
• Spicy pepperoni

Q: What cheese works best?

Great options:

• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• Monterey Jack
• Parmesan
• Cheddar blends

Q: Can kids help make this?

Yes.
Kids can:

• Sprinkle cheese
• Add toppings
• Stir sauce

Pro Tips

• Use whole milk mozzarella for better melting.
• Let the bake rest before slicing.
• Layer toppings evenly for balanced flavor.
• Broil 1–2 minutes at end for extra golden cheese.

Enjoy your cheesy homemade crustless pizza bake!

• Author
• Recent Posts

Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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