If you’ve ever craved all the bold, gooey flavors of pizza without the carb-heavy crust, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a bubbling bowl packed with savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, melty mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, all layered with rich marinara and finished with golden cheese. It’s comfort food at its absolute best, but with a totally guilt-free twist that fits right into your low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, relying on a handful of classic pizza ingredients that come together for maximum impact. Each one brings its own personality to the bowl—whether it’s a pop of color, a hint of spice, or that irresistible cheesy stretch.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and infuses the dish with Mediterranean richness.
- Italian sausage or ground beef (½ pound): The hearty, savory foundation—choose sausage for classic pizza flavor, or ground beef for a milder touch.
- Mushrooms (½ cup, sliced): Bring earthy depth and juiciness to every bite.
- Green bell pepper (½ cup, diced): Adds fresh, crisp sweetness and a burst of color.
- Red onion (¼ cup, sliced): Offers subtle sweetness and a gentle crunch.
- Low-carb marinara sauce (½ cup): The saucy, tomato-rich layer that ties it all together without the extra sugar.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A blend of herbs that delivers classic pizza aroma.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Kicks up the flavor with a warm, garlicky note.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The melty, stretchy cheese that defines any pizza experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Gives a nutty, salty finish with a little extra umami.
- Pepperoni slices (10–12): A classic pizza topping—crispy edges and all!
- Red pepper flakes and fresh basil (optional): For those who want a little heat or a touch of herbal freshness at the end.
How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get things nice and hot. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and your choice of Italian sausage or ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks, making sure every bit gets beautifully browned and caramelized. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to a mixing bowl—it’s ready for its starring role!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another dish!), toss in the mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and their flavors meld together. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This step fills your kitchen with that unmistakable pizza aroma—trust me, it’s hard not to sneak a taste already!
Step 3: Layer the Bowls
Now comes the fun part: assembling your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl! Divide the cooked meat evenly between two or three oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes. Next, layer on the sautéed veggies, followed by spoonfuls of low-carb marinara sauce. Finish with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella, a dusting of Parmesan, and arrange the pepperoni slices artfully on top. Each layer promises a new wave of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled bowls on a baking sheet (just in case of cheesy overflow) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and irresistibly melty. If you love a golden, lightly crisped top, switch on the broiler for an extra 2 minutes—just keep an eye on it! The transformation is magical: the pepperoni curls, the cheese turns golden, and everything melds together into pizza bliss.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls are out of the oven, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a gentle kick or scatter on fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the dish, and watch everyone dig in with delight!
How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Garnishes
The right garnish can elevate your bowl from delicious to downright dazzling. Try a shower of fresh basil leaves for a burst of green and fragrance, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Even a quick grind of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This pizza bowl is hearty all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted zucchini fries. For a little crunch, parmesan crisps or celery sticks make perfect low-carb pairings that keep you satisfied without the carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the ramekin! These bowls are just as fun served in hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful twist, or in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions. Hosting a gathering? Set up a pizza bowl bar with different toppings so everyone can build their own custom creation—talk about a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl (lucky you!), simply cover the cooled bowls tightly and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Want to make a few bowls ahead for busy nights? Assemble the bowls up to the point before baking, then wrap them well and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—no need to sacrifice flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your bowl in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (covered) works too, though the oven keeps the topping crispier.
FAQs
Can I make this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage or ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The flavors are just as satisfying, and you can load up on even more veggies.
What other toppings can I use?
Get creative—try black olives, sliced jalapeños, spinach, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of feta. Just be mindful of the carb count if you’re keeping things low-carb!
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl fits beautifully into keto and low-carb diets. With minimal carbs and plenty of protein and fat, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t spike your blood sugar.
Can I make this in advance for meal prep?
Definitely. Assemble the bowls ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to eat. They also reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy pizza night any night of the week.
Do I need special equipment?
Not at all! Any small oven-safe baking dish or ramekin will do the trick. Even a small casserole dish works if you prefer one big family-style pizza bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that skips the carbs but delivers all the pizza joy, you truly can’t go wrong with this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star on your dinner menu!
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Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Packed with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, this crustless pizza bowl offers all the flavors of a classic pizza without the carbs from the crust. It’s gluten-free, adaptable, and perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- ½ cup low-carb marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10–12 slices pepperoni
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the pizza bowls.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the Italian sausage or ground beef. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked meat to a bowl.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms, green bell pepper, and red onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked meat evenly between 2–3 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes. Layer each with the sautéed vegetables, then spoon marinara sauce over them. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled bowls in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil and garnish: For a golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the bowls for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings such as olives, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based crumbles.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it perfect for keto diets.
- Use oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
