Craving that gooey, meaty, cheesy slice of pizza bliss but don’t want the fuss (or carbs) of a doughy crust? This Crustless Pizza Recipe delivers all the classic flavors you adore in a fraction of the time, and with none of the gluten. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even meal prep—each bite is loaded with savory sausage (or beef), melty cheese, colorful veggies, and your favorite pizza toppings, all bubbling together in one skillet. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how much flavor it packs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Crustless Pizza Recipe so magical is how each simple ingredient shines through, highlighting the very best of pizza night. Every item brings color, taste, or cheesy goodness, making every bite a joy.

Ground Italian sausage or ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that brings all that savory, comforting flavor—choose sausage for punch or beef for a milder taste.
Chopped onion (½ cup): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, the essential start of any pizza-inspired dish.
Chopped bell pepper (½ cup, any color): For vibrant color, slight crunch, and a burst of fresh veggie flavor.
Sliced mushrooms (1 cup, optional): Earthy and meaty, mushrooms add texture and soak up all those pizza spices.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend ties it all together—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses every layer with gentle, aromatic warmth.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Turn up the heat if you love a subtle, spicy kick.
Marinara or pizza sauce (1 cup): The saucy, tomato-rich component that makes this dish sing—choose your favorite brand or homemade version.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): The irresistibly gooey, bubbly topping every pizza (crustless or not) craves.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): For savory sharpness and that classic pizza tang.
Sliced black olives or mini pepperoni (¼ cup, optional): Add pops of flavor and a fun, pizza-parlor vibe.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Needed for a final flourish of freshness and color.

How to Make Crustless Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Begin by placing a large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add your ground Italian sausage or beef and start breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and fully done—no pink spots remain. If you see extra grease forming, carefully spoon it away. This step creates a savory, flavorful foundation and ensures your Crustless Pizza Recipe isn’t greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Now, stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper. If you’re a mushroom fan, in they go as well. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and, for a whisper of heat, red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté everything together for 3–4 minutes, until the veggies soften just slightly but still hold their shape. At this point, your kitchen will smell like a family pizzeria!

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour your marinara or pizza sauce right over the sizzling meat and veggies, spreading it with the back of your spoon so it’s all evenly coated. The sauce soaks into all the nooks, adding bright, tomatoey joy to every layer.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Extras

It’s time for that all-important cheese moment! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly all over the saucy mixture, followed by a shower of Parmesan. If you want a “supreme” experience, dot the top with sliced black olives and mini pepperoni. The cheese should blanket everything—think pizza, only cozier.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into golden, bubbly perfection—that’s your cue it’s ready. Let the pan cool for just a couple minutes, then sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley. The Crustless Pizza Recipe is ready to be scooped right onto plates and enjoyed warm.

How to Serve Crustless Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, nothing beats a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the top. The herbs bring a burst of color and a hint of garden-fresh brightness that cuts through all that cheesy goodness. A little extra Parmesan never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Since this Crustless Pizza Recipe is so hearty on its own, you can keep sides simple. Try a crisp Caesar salad, gently sautéed green beans, or even a platter of raw veggies for a crunch. For a low-carb meal, stick to greens, but if you’re feeding a crowd, some garlic bread on the side is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it right from the skillet for a rustic, fuss-free vibe. For parties or family style, scoop portions into small ramekins so everyone gets their own gooey helping. Want to impress? Try individual mini skillets—guests will swoon over their personal pizzas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Crustless Pizza Recipe store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just transfer any cooled portions to an airtight container. The flavors meld together even more overnight, and the dish reheats incredibly well.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe! Simply let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. It’ll keep for up to two months. To help retain the cheesy texture, try freezing before topping with fresh basil or parsley—add those after reheating for the brightest flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, either microwave single portions in short bursts until hot or rewarm the whole thing in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until the cheese is nice and melty. If it looks a little dry out of the fridge, add a splash of sauce or a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the Crustless Pizza Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for your favorite plant-based crumbles or sauté extra mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed filling. The dish remains hearty and delicious—just adjust seasonings to taste.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or a stainless steel sauté pan) works best. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the sautéed mixture to a baking dish before adding the sauce and cheese.

How do I make this Crustless Pizza Recipe keto-friendly?

Just use a low-sugar or no-sugar-added marinara sauce, and skip any ingredients that add carbs, such as certain vegetables or the optional olives. It’s naturally low in carbs as written—perfect for keto pizza cravings!

Can I add other toppings?

Of course! Get creative and treat this like your favorite pizza—add cooked bacon, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap cheeses. Just be mindful of moisture-heavy toppings, which might make the dish a bit runny if you go overboard.

Does this work as meal prep?

Yes, and it’s actually one of the best meal-prep options out there! Cook up a big batch, divide into portions, and keep in the fridge. It reheats quickly and keeps well for busy lunches or dinners during the week.

Final Thoughts

If you love big pizza flavor but crave something lighter, quicker, or just plain fun, give this Crustless Pizza Recipe a try. It’s warm, bubbling, and endlessly customizable, perfect for busy cooks and pizza fanatics alike. You might just find it becomes your go-to comfort food—enjoy!

Crustless Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crustless Pizza Recipe is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a deliciously cheesy and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pizza:

1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup sliced black olives or mini pepperoni (optional)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook meat: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground sausage or beef until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, seasonings, and cook until veggies are soft.
Layer toppings: Spread sauce over the meat, top with cheeses, and add olives or pepperoni.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve warm.