Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Your new go-to comfort food—without the crust or carbs!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 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 (any color)
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Oven Temp: 375°F (190°C)
Directions
1. Cook the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet for a leaner bowl.
2. Season the Meat
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1 more minute to let the spices bloom and absorb into the meat.
3. Assemble the Bowls
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the cooked meat evenly into two oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each meat base.
4. Add Toppings
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then layer on mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and pepperoni slices.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese for that extra savory crust on top.
5. Bake
- Place bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven, top with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy immediately!
Optional Add-Ins:
- Add spinach, zucchini, or jalapeños for variety.
- Swap meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Drizzle with a bit of ranch or hot sauce before serving if desired.
Q&A: Crustless Pizza Bowl
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the bowls ahead, refrigerate (unbaked), and simply bake when ready to serve. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q2: What if I don’t have oven-safe bowls?
A: You can layer everything in a small casserole dish or even use a muffin tin for mini pizza bites. Just reduce the bake time slightly.