Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
If you love pizza but want to skip the carbs, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a total game-changer! Imagine all the delicious, savory flavors of pizza—melted cheese, zesty marinara, and your favorite toppings—without the heavy crust. It’s the perfect solution for satisfying your pizza cravings while sticking to your low-carb goals. This bowl is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight dinner or a fun way to enjoy pizza in a healthier form. Trust me, you’re going to love this easy and tasty twist on a classic!
Why You’ll Love Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
This recipe isn’t just about cutting carbs; it’s about enjoying pizza in a way that doesn’t make you feel guilty. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can add any toppings you like, from pepperoni to bell peppers or even spinach. It’s totally customizable to your taste!
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. It’s an easy and inexpensive meal to prepare.
Quick and Easy: This is the perfect low-carb meal when you’re short on time. With just a few minutes of prep and about 20 minutes in the oven, you’ve got a delicious dinner.
Customizable: Want to add extra cheese or try a different sauce? Go ahead! It’s all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even though it’s low carb, this dish is so flavorful that everyone, no matter their dietary preferences, will love it.
Ingredients in Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Here’s what makes this pizza bowl so irresistible:
Ground Beef or Chicken: This is the base of your pizza bowl, adding protein and a savory flavor that will make you forget there’s no crust.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella cheese creates that delicious pizza feel and ties everything together.
Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that adds a bit of crunch and flavor. Feel free to swap this for other low-carb toppings like olives, mushrooms, or sausage!
Marinara Sauce: The rich, tangy tomato sauce that gives this dish all the pizza flavor without the carbs.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of oregano, basil, and garlic gives your pizza bowl that perfect Italian touch.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra flavor and a delightful, cheesy crunch on top.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking and make this easy pizza bowl!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pizza bowl bakes evenly and gets that delicious melty top.
Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Mix the Sauce and Seasoning: In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you like some extra flavor.
Assemble the Pizza Bowl: In a baking dish, spread the cooked meat evenly on the bottom. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the meat, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni or any other toppings you prefer on top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a bit of extra flavor. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your pizza bowl warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness. You can serve it on its own or with a side of fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: approx. 350
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
This pizza bowl pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to balance out the meal:
Serve with a fresh, crisp side salad topped with your favorite low-carb dressing.
Pair with a cauliflower rice dish for a complete low-carb meal.
You can also enjoy it with a side of roasted veggies or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make the most out of your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl:
For a keto-friendly version, choose a sugar-free marinara sauce.
Feel free to swap out the ground meat for turkey, sausage, or even a vegetarian option like cauliflower or eggplant.
Add more cheese if you want it extra cheesy—this pizza bowl is all about indulgence without the carbs!
You can prep the meat and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.
FAQs
1 Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well for this recipe.
2 Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.
3 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake and enjoy.
4 How do I know when it’s done?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown around the edges.
5 Can I add other toppings to my pizza bowl?
Yes! Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and spinach all make great additions to this dish.
6 Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This pizza bowl is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients.
7 Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat mozzarella or Parmesan, but the texture may be slightly different.
8 Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
9 Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, you can use pizza sauce, but be sure to check the label for low-carb options if you’re following a strict low-carb diet.
10 Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Adding vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious, satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of pizza without the carbs. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, or simply craving a lighter take on a pizza, this recipe is perfect for you. With customizable toppings and the cheesy goodness we all love, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to indulge in a pizza experience like never before!
PrintLow Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs with this customizable Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl. Packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs with this customizable Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl. Packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Instructions
1. **Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:**
– In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
– Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. **Assemble the Pizza Bowls:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease individual ramekins or a baking dish.
– Spoon a layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of each ramekin.
– Add a layer of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture.
– Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the mixture.
– Repeat the layers (sauce, sausage and vegetables, cheese) until the ramekins are filled, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
3. **Bake:**
– Place the assembled bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like pepperoni slices, black olives, or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
– **Sauce:** To keep it low-carb, use a marinara sauce with no added sugars. Brands like Rao’s are recommended.
– **Meat:** Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of Italian sausage for a leaner option.
– **Vegetables:** Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as green peppers, onions, or olives.
– **Cheese:** For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternatives.
– **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
