Why You Will Love the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Imagine sitting on your couch on a Friday night craving a huge slice of pizza, but you want to skip the heavy dough. We have all been there. Giving up traditional crust does not mean you have to give up the rich flavors you love. A low carb crustless pizza bowl gives you all the warm, cheesy, and savory joy of your favorite pizzeria pie right in a cozy bowl without any of the extra flour or heavy carbs.
This dish is a true game changer for anyone watching their sugar intake or following a low carb lifestyle. Instead of a wheat crust, you build a delicious base of seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, and heaps of gooey melted cheese. Every single spoonful is packed with satisfying protein and robust flavors that make you forget you are eating a low carb meal. It is comfort food at its absolute finest, yet it feels light and easy on your stomach.
The best part is how fast and effortless this meal is to put together on a busy weeknight. You do not need any special baking skills, dough rollers, or yeast to make it happen. With just a few simple ingredients and less than thirty minutes of your time, you can have a bubbling masterpiece ready to eat. Grab your favorite spoon and get ready to discover your new favorite dinner option.
Quick Kitchen Facts
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 2 hungry pizza lovers
What You Need For This Recipe
Gathering your ingredients before you start makes cooking fun and stress free. Here is everything you need to create the ultimate cheesy pizza bowl in your own kitchen.
The Ingredients List
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One pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
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One cup low sugar marinara sauce or pizza sauce
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Two cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
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Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Half cup sliced pepperoni
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Quarter cup sliced black olives
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Half cup sliced mushrooms or bell peppers
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One teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Half teaspoon garlic powder
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Fresh basil chopped for garnish
How to Make a Crustless Pizza Bowl
Making this recipe is a very simple process. Just follow these easy steps and you will have a hot meal ready in no time.
Step One: Brown the Meat
Place a large skillet over medium heat on your stove and add your ground Italian sausage or ground beef. Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon and cook it thoroughly until no pink remains. Stir in your garlic powder and Italian seasoning halfway through the cooking time. Once the meat is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step Two: Prepare Your Baking Dishes
Turn on your oven and set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat. Divide your cooked and seasoned meat evenly between two oven safe baking bowls or small ramekins. If you prefer to share out of one dish, you can also press the meat directly into a single small casserole pan.
Step Three: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon your low sugar marinara sauce directly over the layer of meat in each bowl. Next, take half of your shredded mozzarella cheese and all of your grated Parmesan cheese, scattering them right on top of the sauce. This creates a wonderful gooey middle layer that tastes amazing.
Step Four: Layer the Toppings
Add your pepperoni slices, sliced black olives, and your choice of mushrooms or bell peppers over the cheesy layer. Finish by blanketing everything with the rest of your shredded mozzarella cheese so the entire surface is completely covered and ready to melt.
Step Five: Bake Until Bubbly
Place your filled bowls onto a baking sheet to catch any drips and make moving them in and out of the oven much easier. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling brightly around the edges, and turning slightly golden brown on top.
Step Six: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove your bowls from the hot oven using thick oven mitts, keeping in mind that the ceramic dishes hold a lot of heat. Let the food cool down for two minutes, sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for extra flavor, and dig in right away.
Helpful Cooking Notes
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Always check the nutrition labels on your store bought marinara sauce to make sure there is no hidden added sugar, which keeps your meal truly low carb.
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Feel free to swap out the proteins based on what you have in your fridge, such as using diced grilled chicken, cooked bacon crumbles, or turkey pepperoni.
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If you want an even faster meal, you can assemble all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and heat it on high for 90 seconds until the cheese melts.
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Leftovers keep wonderfully in a sealed airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily skip the meat entirely and use a base of seasoned vegetables or extra mushrooms and spinach instead.
What are the net carbs per serving?
Assuming you use a zero sugar added marinara sauce, each serving generally contains between 4 to 6 grams of net carbs depending on your choice of toppings.
Can I prep these bowls ahead of time?
You can fully assemble the unbaked pizza bowls up to 24 hours in advance, cover them tightly, and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Nutrition Facts Table
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this low carb pizza bowl based on two total servings.
Important Health and Allergy Disclaimer
Please remember to enjoy all your meals in moderation as part of a balanced daily routine. If you manage specific medical conditions or adhere to strict dietary guidelines, consider speaking with your healthcare provider before making major changes to your eating habits.
Be mindful of food sensitivities. This recipe contains dairy products like mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Always review commercial ingredient labels carefully if you have underlying food allergies to ensure cross contamination does not occur with your chosen toppings or sauces.