Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

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🍕 Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

🧀 Introduction

If you love pizza but want to skip the carbs, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is your perfect solution! This delicious, cheesy, oven-baked dish gives you all the classic pizza flavors—savory sauce, melty cheese, flavorful toppings—without the crust. It’s ideal for keto lovers, low-carb eaters, diabetics, or anyone looking for a lighter dinner option.

This recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this pizza bowl will quickly become a favorite.

🛒 What You’ll Need (Serves 4)

🥩 Protein Base:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

🥬 Vegetables:

  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • ½ cup chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

🍅 Sauce & Seasoning:

  • 1 cup low-sugar marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

🧀 Cheese & Toppings:

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pepperoni slices (optional)
  • Black olives (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

Add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Season & Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide mixture into 4 oven-safe bowls or a casserole dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add pepperoni or other toppings if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

🔥 Cooking Methods

You can prepare this dish in several ways:

  • Oven-Baked (Classic Method) – Best texture and melted cheese finish.
  • Air Fryer – 350°F for 8–10 minutes in small ramekins.
  • Slow Cooker – Cook meat mixture first, then layer and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
  • Meal Prep Containers – Reheat in microwave for 1–2 minutes.

📜 History of the Crustless Pizza Idea

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy, as a simple flatbread topped with tomatoes and cheese. Traditional pizza became globally popular thanks to Italian immigrants spreading it to places like the New York City.

With the rise of low-carb and keto diets in the early 2000s, creative home cooks began removing the crust while keeping the toppings—leading to the birth of the crustless pizza bowl. It keeps the flavor while cutting carbs dramatically.

💚 Health Benefits

  • ✅ Low in carbohydrates
  • ✅ High in protein
  • ✅ Keto-friendly
  • ✅ Gluten-free
  • ✅ Blood sugar friendly
  • ✅ Great for weight management

🧱 Formation & Texture

This dish forms delicious layers:

  1. Savory meat base
  2. Tender sautéed vegetables
  3. Rich tomato sauce
  4. Melted stretchy cheese topping

The result? A bubbling, cheesy, hearty pizza experience—without the crust.

🥗 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380–450
  • Protein: 28–32g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 6–8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4–6g

(Nutrition varies depending on toppings used.)

❤️ Why People Love This Recipe

  • Pizza lovers who want fewer carbs
  • Keto diet followers
  • Diabetics looking for safe comfort food
  • Busy families needing quick dinners
  • Meal preppers

It satisfies pizza cravings without guilt!

🏁 Conclusion

The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl proves you don’t need dough to enjoy pizza. Packed with bold flavors, melty cheese, and satisfying protein, it’s a healthier twist on a worldwide favorite. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, this dish is comfort food made smarter.

If you love pizza but want to keep carbs low — this recipe is for you! 🍕✨

Would you like a spicy version or a chicken alfredo crustless pizza bowl next?

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