Description: Craving pizza but watching your carbs? This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl delivers all the satisfying flavors of pizza without the carb-heavy crust. Packed with savory ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and a generous topping of melted cheese, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza bowls will bake evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection. While the oven is preheating, take the time to prepare 2–3 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes. These will be the vessels that hold all the delicious ingredients of your crustless pizza. Ensure they are clean and ready to go. If you’re using ramekins, a standard size works best, ensuring the right ratio of ingredients in each serving.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies In this step, you’ll bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables that form the base of your pizza bowl. Place a large skillet on your stovetop and set the heat to medium. Pour in the olive oil, allowing it to heat up for a moment. Add the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and slightly translucent. This process helps to release their sweetness and create a delightful aroma. Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. The purpose of this step is to infuse the vegetables with the fragrant essence of garlic, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Cook the Meat Next, you’ll prepare the protein component of your pizza bowl, adding substance and savory goodness to the dish. Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to create space for the meat. Add either ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet, depending on your preference. Season the meat generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, typically around 5–7 minutes. If using ground beef, you may need to drain off any excess fat to prevent the pizza bowls from becoming greasy. Properly cooked meat is essential for both flavor and food safety.
Step 4: Add Marinara In this step, you’ll introduce the tangy and savory marinara sauce that ties all the flavors together. Pour the low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added) into the skillet, covering the meat and vegetables. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and harmonize. This simmering process is crucial for enhancing the depth and complexity of the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Bowls Now comes the fun part: assembling your individual pizza bowls! Divide the meat and veggie mixture evenly among the ramekins or small baking dishes you prepared earlier. Each bowl should be filled to a similar level, ensuring equal portions for each serving. Once the bowls are filled, top each one generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a blanket of cheesy goodness. Then, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to each bowl for a touch of heat and spice. This step is where you can customize your pizza bowls to suit your personal preferences, adding any additional toppings you enjoy, such as olives, pepperoni, or diced tomatoes.
Step 6: Bake Place the ramekins or baking dishes on a baking sheet to prevent any spills in the oven. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the pizza bowls to ensure they don’t overcook. The goal is to achieve perfectly melted cheese that is both gooey and slightly browned, adding a delightful texture and visual appeal to the dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once the pizza bowls are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack for a few minutes before garnishing. Sprinkle each bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. These herbs not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish. Serve the pizza bowls hot and dig in immediately, savoring the delicious combination of savory meat, tender vegetables, tangy sauce, and melted cheese. Enjoy your guilt-free pizza experience!
Why you will love this recipe
This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the carbs. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite pizza toppings and ingredients.
- Delicious and Satisfying: All the flavors of pizza without the guilt.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required, as everything is cooked in one skillet.
- Versatile: Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch on the weekend for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
- Family-Friendly: Even kids will love this deconstructed pizza bowl.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that are readily available.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings for customization, such as olives, pepperoni, or diced tomatoes.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a glass of low-carb wine or sparkling water.
- Serve alongside a crusty bread for those who want to add a carb element.
- Make it a party: set up a pizza bowl bar with various toppings and sauces for guests to customize their own.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality low-carb marinara sauce to ensure the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables, as they will become mushy.
- Drain excess fat from the ground meat to prevent the pizza bowls from becoming greasy.
- Use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack.
- Add a layer of cream cheese to the bottom of the ramekins for extra creaminess.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Sodium: ~600mg (depending on the marinara sauce used)
Conclusion
The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and customizable options, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying and guilt-free meal. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply looking for a healthier way to enjoy pizza, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed pizza bowl that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef or turkey?
- Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily substitute other types of meat to suit your preferences. Ground chicken, Italian sausage (ensure it’s low-carb), or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked. For example, if using pre-cooked Italian sausage, you may only need to brown it lightly.
- What are some good substitutes for the low-carb marinara sauce?
- If you can’t find a pre-made low-carb marinara sauce, you have several excellent alternatives. You can make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of sweetener (like stevia or erythritol) to balance the acidity. Another option is to use a sugar-free tomato paste thinned with water and seasoned to your liking. You could also experiment with pesto (check labels for carb content), alfredo sauce (for a creamier pizza bowl), or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the meat or replace it with plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach. For a vegan version, use plant-based ground meat, vegan cheese, and ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Tofu crumbles, seasoned with Italian herbs, can be a great protein source for a vegan version.
- Can I prepare these pizza bowls in advance?
- Yes, you can definitely prepare these pizza bowls in advance. You can assemble the bowls, including the meat and veggie mixture and the cheese topping, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the preheated oven and follow the baking instructions. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights. However, if the bowls are sitting in the fridge for over an hour before cooking, add 2-3 minutes of baking time.
- What other toppings can I add to these pizza bowls?
- The possibilities are endless! Get creative and customize your pizza bowls with your favorite toppings. Some popular additions include:
- Vegetables: Olives, bell peppers (different colors for variety), onions, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes.
- Meats: Pepperoni (low-carb), cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, ham.
- Cheeses: Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta cheese.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, fresh basil.
- Other: Pesto, alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese (dolloped on after baking). Remember to account for any additional carbs when adding toppings if you’re strictly following a low-carb diet.
- The possibilities are endless! Get creative and customize your pizza bowls with your favorite toppings. Some popular additions include:
