Description:
The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs from traditional crust. It features a flavorful base of seasoned ground meat or chicken, topped with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked together for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Origin:
This recipe is a modern twist on pizza, created as a low-carb alternative for those following keto or other low-carb diets. While traditional pizza is loved worldwide, crustless pizza bowls are popular in the health-conscious food community as they deliver the same pizza flavors without the carbs.
Ingredients Quantity:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauce (low-sugar or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (35g) pepperoni slices, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup (35g) sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional for toppings)
Ingredients Optional:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (for added richness)
Instruction:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer the meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish or divide it into individual ramekins.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce.
- Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
Tips for Success:
- Use a low-sugar marinara sauce or make your own to keep the carbs low.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings. You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or onions, or even swap out the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- To make it even more filling, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled bacon for extra richness.
- For a crispy top, broil the pizza bowls for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Recommendation:
Serving Ideas:
- Serve with a side of leafy greens or a fresh salad for a well-rounded, low-carb meal.
- Pair with keto-friendly breadsticks or a simple side of roasted veggies to complete the meal.
Make-Ahead Tip:
- You can prepare the pizza bowl filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Would you like to try a variation, such as adding a cauliflower crust or experimenting with different toppings?
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