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This crustless pizza recipe brings together everything satisfying about a classic pepperoni pizza without the traditional dough. Savory Italian sausage forms the base, while rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy-edged pepperoni create layers of familiar pizza flavor.
Baked in an oven-safe skillet, this cheesy pizza casserole comes out bubbling around the edges with a golden topping and a hearty, scoopable center. It’s an excellent option when you’re craving pizza but want something lower in carbohydrates.
With just a handful of ingredients and about 35 minutes from start to finish, this easy crustless pizza recipe also works beautifully for busy weeknight dinners.
You can customize the toppings with mushrooms, peppers, olives, or onions to make it taste like your favorite combination pizza.
What Is Crustless Pizza?
Crustless pizza is a pizza-inspired dish made without traditional bread dough.
Instead of using a flour-based crust, this version starts with seasoned ground Italian sausage. The cooked sausage creates a savory foundation that supports the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
Everything bakes together until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
The finished dish resembles a crustless pizza casserole rather than a traditional sliceable pizza. It’s best served with a spoon or spatula because the sausage base doesn’t form a firm bread-like crust.
Removing the dough significantly reduces the carbohydrate content compared with regular pizza.
However, the exact carbohydrate count depends on the sausage, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and any additional toppings.
For anyone following a low-carb eating plan, choosing marinara without added sugar can help keep carbohydrates lower.
Why This Crustless Pizza Recipe Works
The combination of seasoned sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella delivers the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza with very little preparation.
Here are a few reasons this recipe deserves a place in your dinner rotation:
- No pizza dough required: Skip kneading, rolling, and waiting for dough to rise.
- Simple ingredients: Italian sausage, marinara, cheese, and pepperoni provide most of the flavor.
- One-skillet preparation: Cook the sausage, assemble the toppings, and bake everything in the same oven-safe skillet.
- Low-carb friendly: Without traditional pizza crust, this recipe can fit into many low-carb meal plans.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite pizza vegetables, cheeses, or protein toppings.
- Great for busy evenings: Most of the preparation takes place in one pan, making cleanup easier.
The result is a hearty, cheesy pepperoni pizza casserole that feels like comfort food without requiring a complicated cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this low carb pizza casserole is its short ingredient list.
Each ingredient contributes to the flavor and texture of the finished dish.
Italian Sausage
You’ll need 1 pound of ground mild Italian sausage.
The sausage creates the base of the casserole, replacing traditional pizza dough with a flavorful layer of cooked meat.
Mild Italian sausage adds seasoning without making the dish overly spicy.
For a pork-free alternative, choose ground chicken or turkey Italian sausage.
Olive Oil
One tablespoon of olive oil helps brown the sausage and prevents sticking.
If your sausage releases plenty of fat, you may need less oil, especially when using a nonstick skillet.
Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Two teaspoons of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning add classic pizza-inspired flavor.
Italian seasoning typically contains herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
These seasonings complement the sausage and marinara without overpowering the other ingredients.
Marinara Sauce
Use 1¼ cups of jarred marinara sauce.
Rao’s marinara is a convenient option because it contains no added sugar in the varieties commonly used for low-carb cooking.
Check the label when purchasing, since nutritional values vary between products.
A relatively thick marinara works best because it helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Mozzarella Cheese
You’ll need 8 ounces of whole-milk mozzarella cheese, preferably shredded from a block.
Whole-milk mozzarella melts into a rich, creamy layer and develops lightly golden edges in the oven.
Freshly shredded block mozzarella generally melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking ingredients.
Pepperoni
Use 16 pepperoni slices, or add more according to your preference.
Pepperoni provides the familiar salty, savory flavor associated with classic pizza.
For a pork-free version, select beef or turkey pepperoni.
Optional Pizza Toppings
You can personalize your crustless pizza bake with sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, or sliced black olives.
Avoid adding too many vegetables at once because excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
How to Make Crustless Pizza
This easy crustless pizza recipe comes together in one oven-safe skillet.
The key is browning the sausage thoroughly before adding the sauce and cheese.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Choose a large, 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
A cast-iron skillet works particularly well because it retains heat and helps create golden edges around the cheese.
Make sure the skillet and its handle are rated for the oven temperature.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the ground Italian sausage, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the sausage into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
Ground pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, according to the FoodSafety.gov safe minimum internal temperature guidelines.
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
Spoon the marinara sauce over the sausage, distributing it across the entire surface.
You want enough sauce to coat the meat without completely drowning it.
This balance helps the finished casserole stay hearty rather than soupy.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella evenly over the marinara.
Try to cover the sauce from edge to edge.
As the casserole bakes, the cheese will melt into the sauce and create a creamy, golden topping.
Step 5: Add Pepperoni and Toppings
Arrange the pepperoni slices over the mozzarella.
If you’re adding mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives, distribute them evenly.
Keep the toppings relatively light so the cheese can melt properly and excess vegetable moisture doesn’t collect in the skillet.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
The pepperoni may also develop slightly crisp edges.
Remove the skillet carefully using oven mitts.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the crustless pizza to cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.
This short resting period helps the melted cheese and sauce settle slightly.
Scoop portions onto plates and serve while warm.
The casserole will remain softer than traditional pizza, so don’t expect firm, handheld slices.
Tips for the Best Crustless Pizza
A few simple techniques make a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Drain the sausage thoroughly. Ground sausage can release a significant amount of fat during cooking. Removing excess grease prevents the sauce from becoming oily.
Use thick marinara sauce. A watery sauce can make the casserole difficult to serve. Choose a thick pizza-style marinara or simmer thin sauce briefly before assembling.
Shred your own mozzarella. Block mozzarella generally melts smoothly and creates a better cheese topping.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Too many toppings can release moisture and prevent the cheese from browning evenly.
Let the casserole rest. Waiting a few minutes before serving makes it easier to scoop portions without losing all the melted cheese.
Watch the cheese near the end. Oven temperatures vary, and mozzarella can brown quickly during the final minutes.
These small adjustments help create a flavorful keto-style pizza bake with a satisfying balance of meat, sauce, and melted cheese.
Easy Crustless Pizza Variations
One advantage of making pizza without dough is how easily you can experiment with toppings.
Supreme Crustless Pizza
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, and black olives.
For the best texture, sauté mushrooms briefly before adding them to reduce excess moisture.
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Add extra pepperoni and cooked ground beef.
You can also combine Italian sausage with another cooked ground meat for a heartier casserole.
Make sure all additional meat toppings are fully cooked before baking.
Chicken Crustless Pizza
Replace the Italian sausage with ground chicken seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, and salt.
Because ground chicken contains less fat than many sausages, a little olive oil helps keep the base moist.
Cook ground poultry to 165°F.
If you enjoy creative pizza combinations, try this sweet potato pizza with BBQ chicken for another flavorful take on homemade pizza.
Extra Cheesy Pizza Bake
Combine mozzarella with a small amount of grated Parmesan or shredded provolone.
Parmesan contributes a savory, slightly nutty flavor, while provolone adds richness.
For a little heat, finish the casserole with crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With Crustless Pizza
Because this casserole contains sausage and cheese, lighter side dishes provide a welcome contrast.
A crisp green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette pairs particularly well with the rich pizza flavors.
Roasted broccoli, sautéed zucchini, or steamed green beans are also excellent choices for a low-carb dinner.
For a more substantial family meal, serve the casserole alongside garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
If you’re planning a pizza-themed gathering, these homemade pepperoni pizza bombs make a fun appetizer alongside the main dish.
You can also garnish each serving with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Crustless Pizza
This casserole makes convenient leftovers because the sausage, sauce, and cheese hold their flavor well after refrigeration.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
For individual portions, microwave in short intervals until thoroughly heated.
Alternatively, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 350°F until hot.
For food safety, reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can You Freeze Crustless Pizza?
Yes. This casserole can be frozen, although the cheese and sauce may release some moisture after thawing.
Allow it to cool, divide it into individual portions, and transfer them to freezer-safe containers.
For the best quality, use within 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Making It Ahead
You can cook the sausage mixture in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to bake, spread the cooked sausage into the skillet, add the marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then bake.
If assembling the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it promptly and bake within 24 hours.
A refrigerated casserole may require a few additional minutes in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crustless pizza keto-friendly?
Crustless pizza can fit into a ketogenic eating plan because it eliminates the traditional flour-based crust.
However, carbohydrates still come from marinara sauce, sausage seasonings, cheese, and vegetables.
Choose a marinara sauce without added sugar and check ingredient labels to determine whether the finished dish fits your daily carbohydrate goals.
Can I make crustless pizza without Italian sausage?
Yes. Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken can replace Italian sausage.
For the closest flavor, season the meat with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the meat completely before adding the pizza toppings.
Why is my crustless pizza watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from undrained sausage fat, thin marinara sauce, or vegetables that release water during baking.
Drain the cooked meat thoroughly, use thick sauce, and avoid overcrowding the skillet with raw mushrooms or other watery vegetables.
Allowing the casserole to rest before serving also helps.
Can I use pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Absolutely. Pizza sauce works well in this recipe.
Choose a thick sauce with seasonings you enjoy.
Both marinara and pizza sauce provide the tomato flavor needed for the casserole.
Can I make this recipe in a baking dish?
Yes. Brown the sausage in a skillet, drain the excess grease, and transfer it to a lightly greased baking dish.
Add the marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Bake at 425°F until the cheese is melted and golden, approximately 15–20 minutes.
The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of your baking dish.
A Simple Way to Enjoy Pizza Night
This crustless pizza recipe delivers the savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni flavors of traditional pizza in a convenient skillet casserole.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, customizable with your favorite toppings, and easy to portion for leftovers.
Serve it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal without traditional pizza dough.
Easy Crustless Pizza Recipe (Cheesy Low-Carb Pizza Casserole)
A cheesy, low-carb crustless pizza made with savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni. An easy one-skillet pizza casserole that’s ready in about 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1 1/4 cups marinara sauce, preferably no sugar added
8 ounces whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
16 pepperoni slices
Optional: sliced mushrooms
Optional: diced red onion
Optional: diced green bell pepper
Optional: sliced black olives
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
3. Add sausage, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
4. Drain excess grease and spread sausage evenly.
5. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
6. Add pepperoni and optional toppings.
7. Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
8. Rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use thick marinara sauce without added sugar for a lower-carb option.
Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best.
Avoid overcrowding with vegetable toppings.
Substitute chicken or turkey Italian sausage and beef or turkey pepperoni for a pork-free version.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze individual portions for best quality within 2–3 months.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F.