🍕 Cheesy Crustless Pizza Bake

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
• ¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: sliced pepperoni or red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or four small oven-safe dishes.
2. Brown the beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the vegetables:
   Stir in the garlic and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Season:
   Add Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add tomatoes and sauce:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and pizza sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Assemble:
   Divide the beef mixture between the prepared dishes, or spread it into one baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
8. Brown the cheese:
   If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes until the top develops golden-brown spots. Watch closely.
9. Finish and serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

🍕 Optional toppings

Add mushrooms, olives, turkey pepperoni, jalapeños, or extra bell peppers to customize it like your favorite pizza.