Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Prep Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 25 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 oz (115 g) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce or marinara
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Pizza Toppings
- Pepperoni
- Cooked bacon
- Italian sausage
- Ham
- Jalapeños
- Spinach
- Fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3
Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 4
Stir in:
- Italian seasoning
- Oregano
- Basil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Cook for 1 minute.
Step 5
Add the sliced peppers and mushrooms. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 6
Mix in the pizza sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 7
Divide the mixture into four oven-safe bowls or foil baking dishes.
Step 8
Top each bowl with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 9
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, lightly browned cheese topping.
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic butter green beans
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
- Keto breadsticks
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Net Carbs | 8 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients and optional toppings used.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the meat well to develop flavor.
- Don’t overcook the peppers if you prefer a little crunch.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- For a crispier cheese topping, broil briefly at the end while watching closely.
Variations
Supreme Pizza Bowl
Add mushrooms, olives, onions, pepperoni, sausage, and green peppers.
Meat Lovers
Use a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.
Chicken Pizza Bowl
Replace the beef with cooked diced chicken.
Vegetarian
Use plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
Spicy
Add jalapeños, hot Italian sausage, or extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. If you use a low-sugar pizza sauce, it’s suitable for many low-carb and ketogenic eating plans.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bowls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella gives the classic pizza texture. You can also mix in provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for added flavor.
Q: How can I reduce the fat?
Use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey and part-skim mozzarella.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
Try zucchini, spinach, eggplant, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli.
