If you are craving all the delicious flavors of pizza but want to keep things light and wholesome, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is an absolute game-changer. This dish captures the essence of a classic pizza with savory ground beef, rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, all without any bread or crust in sight. It’s perfect for anyone who loves that pizza experience but prefers to skip the carbs. Warm, comforting, and brimming with vibrant colors and flavors, this bowl offers a guilt-free way to indulge in your favorite comfort food.

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful masterpiece. Each component is essential to build layers of taste, texture, and color that make this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl truly unforgettable.

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage): The savory protein base that adds richness and heartiness to the dish.
1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free if possible): Brings that classic pizza tang and moisture while keeping it low in carbs.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, creating a luscious top layer.
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any preferred toppings): Adds a spicy, smoky pop of flavor and a familiar pizza vibe.
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced: Introduces a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
1/4 cup onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together with herbaceous warmth.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds a bright, herbal note just before serving.

How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef or Italian sausage. As the meat cooks through, season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse it with a wonderfully aromatic punch. Once browned, drain any excess fat for a leaner dish, ensuring that every bite stays juicy but not greasy.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step not only adds a tender texture but also brightens the overall flavor and gives the pizza bowl a vibrant, colorful touch that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce right into the skillet with your meat and veggies, then stir everything together until well blended. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This melds the flavors perfectly and warms the sauce so it’s ready to bake, soaking the ingredients with that familiar tomatoey goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Bowl

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you get your baking dish ready. Spread the savory meat and sauce mixture evenly across the dish for a uniform base layer. Then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top followed by an even arrangement of your pepperoni slices. This layering step mimics the classic pizza look and ensures gooey, melty satisfaction in every scoop.

Step 5: Bake

Place your assembled pizza bowl into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to turn bubbly and golden, signaling that it’s perfectly melted and the flavors have melded into something irresistible.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool just a little. Before digging in, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for an herbal lift that brightens the dish right before serving. This final flourish makes your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl look as delightful as it tastes!

How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a simple way to inject freshness and color, balancing the rich, cheesy layers below. You can also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of olive oil to add a hint of spice or silkiness that complements the robust flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bowl holds its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or lightly steamed veggies makes for a well-rounded, low-carb meal. Something with a bit of acid, like a lemon vinaigrette salad, cuts through the richness and keeps things bright on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pizza bowl in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal portions. You can also sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or even add a few black olives or mushrooms inside the mix before baking to customize it for your favorite pizza toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making each reheated bite even more satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes well when portioned into freezer-safe containers or wraps. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you have a ready-to-go meal for busy days when you still want comfort food without fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly again, or microwave on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying out the meat and cheese. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs after warming to revive those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives in this recipe. Just be mindful they might cook a bit faster and have a milder flavor, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for keto diets?

Yes, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl fits perfectly within a keto lifestyle since it’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein from the meat and cheese.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and add more texture—just make sure to sauté any extra veggies until tender before baking.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can create your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder to bring that characteristic Italian flavor to the dish.

How do I make this recipe spicy?

To kick up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the meat or swap regular pepperoni for spicy varieties like chorizo or a hot Italian sausage.

Final Thoughts

The joy of the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is in its simplicity and incredible flavor profile that satisfies pizza cravings without the carb overload. Whether you’re managing your carb intake or just looking for a cozy, comforting meal, this recipe is a winner that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious, keto-friendly dish combining seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese topped with pepperoni and sautéed vegetables. It’s an easy, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free if possible)

Vegetables and Seasonings

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any preferred toppings)

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Combine with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce heats through.
Assemble the Pizza Bowl: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly. Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a burst of freshness.

Notes

You can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef to add extra flavor.
Use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the recipe low carb.
Add other favorite toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños, keeping in mind the carb content.
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired