Crustless Pizza Bake

Introduction

When I first made this Crustless Pizza Bake, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had seen a few recipes online, but this one stood out because of its simplicity and the promise of all the delicious pizza flavors without the carb-heavy crust. To say my husband was impressed would be an understatement. His exact words after his first bite were, “Oh my god, Betty, this is fantastic! I’m actually hoping the kids don’t like theirs now!” And that, my friends, was enough of a compliment for me to know that this dish was a winner.

What I love about this recipe is that it gives you all the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza, but without the guilt of traditional pizza dough. The best part is the freedom to customize the toppings based on what you have at home or what you prefer. Whether it’s bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even pepperoni, you can make this dish your own. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and my kids love it as much as my husband does. If you’re craving pizza but want to skip the carbs, this Crustless Pizza Bake is the way to go!

Ingredients

• 1 jar RAO’s marinara (or your favorite pizza sauce)
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (or any meat combination of your choice)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for layering)
• Optional: any additional pizza toppings of your choice (pepperoni, olives, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base for the pizza bake.
2. Cook the Meat:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage (or your choice of meat) until it is browned and fully cooked. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use ground turkey or chicken. Once cooked, drain the excess fat.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
   While the meat is cooking, chop the green pepper, slice the mushrooms, and chop the onion into small pieces. You can use any toppings you like, depending on what your family enjoys. Feel free to add pepperoni, olives, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor.
4. Mix the Toppings:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the chopped green pepper, mushrooms, onion, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly.
5. Assemble the Bake:
   Pour the mixture of toppings into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
6. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a delicious, gooey crust on top.
7. Bake the Pizza Bake:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbling.
8. Optional Broil:
   If you like a slightly crispier, golden top, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (20 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling)
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this Crustless Pizza Bake as the centerpiece of your dinner, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Family Meal: This recipe is perfect for feeding a family of 4-6. It’s simple, quick, and sure to please everyone around the table.
• As Leftovers: This dish holds up well as leftovers, making it an easy and satisfying option for lunch the next day.
• For Meal Prep: You can make this ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat the servings as needed. It also freezes well for later use.

Additional Tips

1. Use a Variety of Meats: You can use any combination of meats for this recipe. Ground turkey, chicken, pepperoni, or even bacon would be excellent additions.
2. Add Extra Veggies: If you want to pack in more vegetables, consider adding spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. These can be sautéed beforehand to remove excess moisture.
3. Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a little heat.
4. Choose a High-Quality Marinara Sauce: Since marinara sauce is a key component of this dish, choose a high-quality sauce like RAO’s for a rich, flavorful base.
5. Layer the Cheese: For an even more indulgent meal, try adding an extra layer of cheese in the middle of the toppings, along with the mozzarella on top.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Crustless Pizza Bake: Leave out the meat entirely and load up on vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions would work wonderfully.
• Low-Carb Version: Use a sugar-free marinara sauce and load up on protein and vegetables for a low-carb meal.
• BBQ Pizza Bake: Use barbecue sauce instead of marinara and top with grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a BBQ twist.
• Meat-Free and Cheese-Free: For a dairy-free, meat-free version, use a vegan cheese substitute and your favorite plant-based toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside a side of garlic bread for a truly comforting meal. The bread is perfect for dipping in the pizza sauce that’s left at the bottom of the dish.
• With a Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad makes a great accompaniment to the richness of the pizza bake.
• With a Glass of Wine: A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, pairs wonderfully with this dish. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime is a refreshing choice.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the pizza bake to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use a blend of mozzarella and provolone or even add Parmesan for extra flavor.
2. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
   You can skip the mushrooms or substitute them with another vegetable like zucchini or spinach.
3. Can I use a different type of sauce?
   Yes, you can use any type of pizza or marinara sauce, but a high-quality sauce will yield the best flavor.
4. How can I make it spicy?
   Add red pepper flakes, spicy Italian sausage, or some jalapeños to the dish for added heat.
5. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the crust?
   This recipe is for a crustless pizza bake, so adding dough would change the nature of the dish.
6. Can I make this in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. It’s also great for meal prep.
7. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
   Absolutely! It’s a kid-friendly, cheesy dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
8. How can I make this vegetarian?
   Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like bell peppers, olives, and spinach for a veggie version.
9. How do I prevent the cheese from getting too greasy?
   Drain the meat thoroughly to reduce excess fat, and use part-skim mozzarella for a less greasy result.
10. Can I add more meat?
    Yes, feel free to add more meat, such as pepperoni or cooked bacon, for a heartier dish.

Conclusion

This Crustless Pizza Bake is a fantastic and versatile recipe that delivers all the flavors of pizza without the extra carbs. Whether you’re looking to serve it for a family dinner or prepare it in advance for easy meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit. It’s easy to customize, full of delicious toppings, and can be made to suit various dietary preferences. So, the next time you’re craving pizza but want to skip the crust, this Crustless Pizza Bake is the perfect solution. Enjoy!

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