Crustless Pizza Bake

A crustless pizza bake is a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced olives, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Add chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Season the Mixture:
   • Stir in pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Layer in a Baking Dish:
   • Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Cheese Layer:
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meat mixture.
7. Add Toppings:
   • If desired, add your favorite pizza toppings such as sliced olives, pepperoni, or cherry tomatoes.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
9. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to customize the dish. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
• Make it Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto diet, ensure that the pizza sauce is low in sugar, and consider using a combination of mozzarella and other low-carb cheeses.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or extra herbs for more flavor.

This crustless pizza bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that allows you to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the need for a traditional crust.