Indulge in Flavorful Comfort with Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake
Satisfy your pizza cravings with a twist! Our Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake is a deliciously comforting alternative to traditional pizza, offering all the flavors you love without the hassle of dealing with dough. Bursting with savory ingredients and gooey cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your pizza game to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pizza Bake:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (choose a low-carb brand if desired)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey or sausage) over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground meat. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Assemble the Pizza Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the prepared pizza sauce over the meat and vegetables, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the sliced black olives and pepperoni.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top of the pizza bake.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, then slice and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for a personalized touch.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground meat and double up on the vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish. You can also add extra cheese or substitute tofu for added protein.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Sauce: Use a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own keto-friendly pizza sauce using tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Be sure to check the labels for hidden sugars in store-bought sauces.
- Low-Carb Crust Options: Skip the crust altogether to keep this dish low-carb and keto-friendly. The hearty meat and vegetable base provides plenty of flavor and texture without the need for traditional pizza dough.
In conclusion, our Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake is a deliciously satisfying twist on classic pizza that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its savory meat and vegetable base, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce, this dish delivers all the taste of pizza without the carbs. Whether you’re following a keto diet, watching your carb intake, or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner option, this recipe is sure to please. So why not give it a try and indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade pizza, guilt-free? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this homemade delight
Adding Flavorful Variations:
- Mushroom Madness: Enhance the umami flavor by adding sliced mushrooms to the pizza bake. Sauté them with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of earthy goodness.
- Italian-Inspired: For an Italian twist, swap the ground beef for Italian sausage and add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil to the sauce. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese for a taste of Italy in every bite.
- Vegetarian Delight: Create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat entirely and loading up on colorful veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. You can even add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Variations:
- Cauliflower Crust Option: Replace the traditional meat and vegetable base with a low-carb cauliflower crust. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until finely chopped, then steam and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with eggs, cheese, and seasonings, then bake until golden brown before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Almond Flour Crust: Create a keto-friendly crust using almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix the ingredients together to form a dough, then press it into the bottom of the baking dish and pre-bake until lightly golden. Proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the sauce and toppings before baking until bubbly and golden.
In conclusion, our Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake offers a deliciously satisfying alternative to traditional pizza, with all the flavors you love packed into every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its customizable toppings, keto and low-carb options, and irresistible flavor combinations, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade pizza, without the guilt!
