Zesty Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Crafting a delectable low carb crustless pizza bowl can revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort.

Cheese, herbs, and savory meats dance together in this innovative dish that skips traditional carbohydrate-heavy crusts.

Nutritious ingredients combine seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating goals.

Familiar pizza flavors burst through without weighing you down or compromising your dietary preferences.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this recipe brings excitement to weeknight cooking.

Layers of melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and your favorite toppings promise a mouthwatering experience that simplifies meal preparation.

Dive into this quick and delicious solution that proves healthy eating can be both fun and flavorful.

FAQs

• Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly. Just brown it thoroughly and season with Italian herbs for similar flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe really low carb?

Absolutely! By removing the pizza crust and focusing on protein and vegetables, this recipe significantly reduces carbohydrate content compared to traditional pizza.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based protein like tofu crumbles, tempeh, or additional mushrooms. Keep the vegetables and cheese for a delicious meatless version.

• Can I prepare these pizza bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bowls in advance and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What Makes a Crustless Pizza Bowl So Satisfying

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this low-carb pizza bowl in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Captures all the classic pizza flavors without the carb-heavy crust, satisfying both health-conscious and traditional food lovers.
• Individual Portion Magic: Served in personal ramekins, these pizza bowls offer a fun, interactive dining experience that lets everyone enjoy their own perfectly portioned meal.

Everything Needed for Low Carb Pizza Bowls

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty base that provides rich taste and protein for the pizza bowl.

• Bell Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and classic pizza flavor to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that create a gooey, traditional pizza experience.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional pizza taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Pepperoni Slices, Black Olives, Fresh Basil: Toppings that provide additional flavor and visual appeal to the pizza bowl.

Steps for Building a Crustless Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Veggies

Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it develops a rich golden color. Drain any excess fat to keep things light.

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Mushrooms

Saute the veggies until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to boost the flavor profile.

Step 2: Create Delicious Layers

Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare ramekins or a baking dish with a quick spray or light oil coating.

• Spread marinara sauce as the first foundation
• Add the sausage and vegetable mixture
• Generously shower shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese

Repeat the layering process, making sure to finish with a crowning layer of melty cheese.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the assembled bowls onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the pizza bowls from the oven and let them rest briefly.

• Pepperoni slices
• Black olives
• Fresh basil leaves

Dive into your low carb pizza bowl and savor every incredible bite!

Tips for Tasty and Cheesy Pizza Bowls

• Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein preferences and dietary needs.
• Add extra low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower to boost nutrition and create more texture in the pizza bowl.
• Use part-skim mozzarella or reduce cheese quantity to lower calorie content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Prepare sausage and vegetable mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Experiment with additional herbs like oregano, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder to enhance overall taste and create personalized flavor experience.

Creative Pizza Bowl Swaps and Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Pizza Bowl: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add extra mushrooms and spinach for protein and texture.
• Seafood Pizza Bowl: Swap sausage with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Include diced zucchini and use lighter white cheese like feta for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Keto-Friendly Pizza Bowl: Use zero-carb marinara sauce. Add extra high-fat ingredients like chopped bacon, additional cheese, and cream cheese for increased fat content.
• Chicken Pizza Bowl: Substitute sausage with grilled, diced chicken breast. Include roasted red peppers and use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar cheeses for different flavor profile.

Pairings for a Pizza Bowl Meal

Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory flavors of the Italian sausage and marinara sauce.

Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy pizza bowl and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.

Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to elevate the pizza bowl’s aromatic profile and add a burst of garden-fresh flavor that ties the entire dish together.

Serve with a crisp Italian sparkling water like San Pellegrino or a light beer such as a pilsner to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.

Storing Low Carb Pizza Bowls for Later

• Store leftover pizza bowls in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled pizza bowls to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, they can last up to 2 months. Wrap individually for easier portioning and quicker thawing.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place pizza bowls in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for cheese to crisp.

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving a guilt-free pizza experience? This low carb crustless pizza bowl delivers all the classic flavors without the carb-heavy crust, combining zesty marinara, melted cheese, and savory toppings in one satisfying dish. You’ll devour this quick, protein-packed meal that brings pizzeria magic right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) ground beef
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pepperoni, sliced
• 2 ounces (56 grams) Italian sausage

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 1 cup (150 grams) bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) onions, diced
• 1 cup (100 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups (200 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook Italian sausage until thoroughly browned, removing any excess fat.
2. Add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the sausage, sautéing until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the sausage and vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare individual ramekins or a baking dish with non-stick spray or light greasing.
5. Create the first layer in each ramekin by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful base.
6. Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture.
8. Repeat the layering process with additional marinara sauce, sausage and vegetable mixture, and cheese until ramekins are nearly full.
9. Top the final layer with an extra portion of cheese to create a golden, melted surface.
10. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese becomes completely melted and slightly bubbling.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
12. Optional: Garnish with pepperoni slices, black olives, or fresh basil leaves for additional flavor and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or ground turkey for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish low-carb and diet-friendly.
• Use fresh, high-quality marinara sauce with minimal added sugars to maintain the low-carb profile and enhance overall flavor complexity.
• Consider preparing this dish in advance by prepping ingredients and assembling ramekins, then refrigerating until ready to bake for convenient meal planning.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes to add nutritional variety and keep the dish interesting for repeated meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg