There’s something undeniably comforting about pizza. The ooey-gooey cheese, the rich tomato sauce, the savory toppings… it’s pure bliss. But what if I told you that you could have all that cheesy, saucy joy without the carbs dragging you down? Enter: the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl.
Inspired by the fast-casual pizza bowl trend made popular by chains like Marco’s Pizza, this dish brings all the best parts of pizza—cheese pulls, bold Italian flavors, and crispy-edged toppings—into one low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly bowl of goodness.
It’s like pizza hit the gym and came out lean, mean, and totally irresistible. And trust me, whether you’re on a low-carb journey or just looking for a quicker way to satisfy your pizza cravings, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl for you? Let’s see. Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls are…
- Packed with flavor – Savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce in every single bite.
- Customizable to your cravings – Add your favorite toppings just like a pizza bar at home.
- Fast and fuss-free – Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly – All the indulgence, none of the guilt.
- Cheesy, saucy, melty perfection – It’s comfort food reimagined.
Quick Tip: Use a broiler for the last few minutes to get those delicious golden-brown bubbly cheese spots on top!
Ingredients in Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s all your favorite pizza elements, just without the crust. A keto dream, really.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and the heart of this pizza bowl. It brings that satisfying cheesy pull we all love.
Pizza Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar version or make your own for the perfect tomatoey base.
Pepperoni: Adds a crispy, spicy kick that takes this bowl to the next level.
Cooked Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful, and adds a hearty bite to every spoonful.
Bell Peppers & Onions: For a touch of sweetness and crunch—feel free to mix and match colors.
Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up all the delicious flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a nutty, salty finish when it crisps up in the oven.
Italian Seasoning & Crushed Red Pepper: These spices give it that classic pizzeria vibe.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the cheese melts perfectly and your toppings get that slight crisp.
Combine Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, toss together your cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and a spoonful of sauce to evenly distribute flavors. Keep it rustic and hearty.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Grab an oven-safe bowl or small casserole dish. Lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray—this makes cleanup way easier and helps the cheese crisp around the edges.
Assemble the Dish:
Layer half the cheese on the bottom, spoon over the saucy meat mixture, add veggies, and top with the rest of the cheese and pepperoni. Sprinkle with seasonings and parmesan.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes to get that bubbly golden cheese on top. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Finishing Touches:
Let it cool for 2–3 minutes so everything settles and you don’t burn your tongue (we’ve all been there!).
Serve and Enjoy:
Grab a spoon and dig in! This bowl is pizza joy in every bite.
How to serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl?
Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar or arugula salad to balance the rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: If carbs aren’t an issue for your guests, offer garlic bread or low-carb buns.
Creamy Accompaniments: A drizzle of ranch or dollop of sour cream pairs surprisingly well.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus make colorful, nutritious partners.
As a Standalone: Honestly? It’s so hearty, it shines all by itself with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Presentation Tip: Use a ramekin or mini cast iron skillet for a bistro-style touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of chili flakes makes it pop!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Pre-chop and cook your toppings earlier in the day for a lightning-fast dinner.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Go dairy-free with plant-based cheeses, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meats and upping the veggies.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Double the Batch: Make extra and freeze in individual portions—perfect for future pizza cravings.
Tips & Variations / Quick Tips
- For ultra crispy edges, use a cast iron skillet or ramekin and broil just before serving.
- Sub in cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or ham for different flavor profiles.
- Don’t skip the seasoning—it’s what gives this that classic pizzeria kick!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute sausage with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean option and still tastes amazing.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble everything in your bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: In the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yep! Use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: For sure. Use a casserole dish instead of bowls and just increase your baking time slightly.
And there you have it—your new low-carb best friend. The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s your weeknight dinner hero or your Friday night Netflix companion, this dish delivers every time.
Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.Season the Meat: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.Assemble the Bowls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the cooked meat into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each.Add Toppings: Layer with shredded mozzarella, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and pepperoni. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
