Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

This crustless pizza bowl is my answer to low-carb cravings when I want all the flavor of pizza without the guilt. The individual portions make it perfect for customizing to everyone's tastes while keeping the carbs in check.

I started making these bowls during my own low-carb journey, and they've become such a hit that even my carb-loving friends request them when they visit. The bubbling cheese and savory meat base satisfy even the strongest pizza cravings.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds the perfect base for sautéing while bringing Mediterranean flavor
• Onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms: Provide texture variety and essential nutrients without adding carbs
• Garlic cloves: Use fresh minced for the best aromatic punch
• Ground beef or turkey: Use 85% lean for the best flavor without excess fat
• Italian seasoning: Look for blends with oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic pizza flavor
• Low-carb marinara sauce: Check labels for under 5g carbs per serving and no added sugars
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged varieties
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that umami punch that makes pizza irresistible
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to your heat preference or omit for sensitive palates
• Fresh herbs for garnish: Never skip this; they add brightness to the rich flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the middle. This high heat will create those beautiful browned cheese spots that make pizza so irresistible. Take out 2 to 3 oven-safe ramekins depending on how many servings you need and place them on a baking sheet for easier handling.

Sauté the Veggies:

Begin with a good quality olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Allow them to cook for a full 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to soften. You want them to maintain some texture, so don’t overcook. Add the garlic only in the final minute to prevent burning, which would create bitterness.

Cook the Meat:

Clear a space in the center of your pan by pushing the vegetables to the edges. Add your ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper directly onto the meat for maximum flavor absorption. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Tilt the pan and spoon off any excess fat to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Add Marinara:

Pour your low-carb marinara evenly over the meat and vegetables, folding everything together gently. Let this mixture bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. The sauce should coat everything but not be soupy.

Assemble the Pizza Bowls:

Using a serving spoon, divide the hot mixture evenly between your prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full. Generously cover each with mozzarella, creating a blanket of cheese. Finish with a light dusting of Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes, focusing on even distribution for consistent flavor.

Bake:

Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow and slide them into your preheated oven. Watch carefully after 8 minutes, looking for the cheese to become molten with those characteristic golden brown spots. The total bake time of 10 to 12 minutes creates the perfect melted cheese texture.

Garnish and Serve:

After removing from the oven, allow the bowls to set for 2 to 3 minutes; this prevents burning and allows the flavors to settle. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich dish.

Pin it

The green bell peppers are my personal favorite element in this recipe. My grandmother always used them in her traditional Italian sauce, and they add just the right amount of sweetness and texture contrast to the rich meat base. The first time I made these bowls, my pizza-obsessed brother didn't even miss the crust!

Storage and Reheating

These pizza bowls maintain their flavor remarkably well when stored properly. Allow them to cool completely before covering with plastic wrap or transferring to airtight containers. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekly meal prep. For best reheating results, use an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than microwave, which can make the cheese rubbery and separate the fats.

Customize Your Toppings

The beauty of these pizza bowls lies in their versatility. Create a custom topping bar for family dinner night with options like sliced olives, pepperoni, cooked sausage, fresh spinach, or artichoke hearts. Just be mindful of adding very watery vegetables like fresh tomatoes, which might make your bowls soggy. For an extra indulgent version, consider adding a layer of cream cheese beneath the marinara for a pizza dip-inspired variation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

While these bowls stand beautifully on their own, they pair wonderfully with simple sides that maintain your low-carb goals. A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing provides textural contrast, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complete the meal with additional nutrients. For those not strictly counting carbs, a slice of garlic butter brushed on low-carb bread makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up every last bit of sauce and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives.

→ What’s the best low-carb marinara sauce?

Look for marinara sauces labeled 'no sugar added' or those with simple, natural ingredients to keep the carbs low.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the bowls in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to maintain the fresh, melted cheese texture.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

You can add zucchini, spinach, or eggplant to the mix for additional flavor and nutrients.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free cheese options to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.

→ How do I prevent the dish from being watery?

Drain the cooked ground meat and sauté vegetables thoroughly to remove excess moisture before assembling the bowls.