If you’re craving a comforting pizza experience without the carb overload, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is exactly what you need to try next. It captures all those familiar flavors of your favorite pizza toppings packed into a hearty, cozy bowl that skips the dough but never compromises on taste. Whether you’re watching your carbs or just want a delicious, easy-to-make meal, this dish hits all the right notes with savory ground beef, melted mozzarella, and vibrant veggies coming together in perfect harmony.

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredients simple and well-balanced is the secret behind this dish’s irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. Each item plays a vital role in building up the classic pizza profile without the carb-heavy crust.

Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a rich, meaty base with deep flavor.

Marinara sauce: Opt for a sugar-free version to keep things low carb, adding zesty tomato goodness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, comforting finish.

Sliced pepperoni: Provides that iconic pizza bite and a little spice punch.
Bell peppers, diced: Add a fresh, sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.

Onion, diced: Offers savory depth and a hint of natural sweetness when sautéed.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that signature pizza aroma alive.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.

Fresh basil or parsley: For a bright, herbaceous garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef or Italian sausage. Let it cook for a full 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely caramelized and no longer pink. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build a strong flavor foundation. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once your meat is cooked perfectly, toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Stir them around in the skillet to soften and sweat out their natural sweetness. This step usually takes 3 to 4 minutes. These fresh veggies add texture and a pop of color that make your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl so inviting.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

Pour in your marinara sauce and stir well to coat the meat and veggies evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully. The sauce brings that classic pizza tang and ties everything in the bowl together.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Bowl

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the savory meat and sauce blend into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, then crown the dish with pepperoni slices or any other preferred toppings you love on pizza.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that glorious melt and bubble of the cheese, turning golden and irresistible. This step locks in all the flavors and gives you a pizza experience that doesn’t rely on crust.

Step 6: Serve

After removing your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl from the oven, let it rest a few minutes so the flavors settle. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a touch of brightness and an appealing aroma that invites everyone to dig in.

How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Garnishes

Simple fresh herbs like basil or parsley are perfect to top this dish, adding an herbal lift and a splash of color. You can also consider a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables provides lovely contrast. A light Caesar salad or some garlic sautéed spinach works beautifully for a well-rounded, low carb meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl right from the baking dish for a cozy, communal vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch. You can also layer it in glass bowls to showcase all the colorful ingredients for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days and remains delicious when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze your pizza bowl in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. When wrapped tightly, it will keep for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain the melty cheese and prevent sogginess. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the cheese a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl and still delivers fantastic flavor when seasoned properly.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Yes, this recipe fits perfectly into most keto meal plans thanks to its low carb ingredients and high fat content from cheese and meat.

Can I add other toppings?

Feel free to customize with mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkling of Parmesan. This bowl is very versatile and invites your favorite pizza toppings.

What marinara sauce should I use?

Choose a marinara without added sugars to keep it low carb and prevent any unwanted sweetness that might throw off the balance of flavors.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the meat with plant-based crumbles or hearty veggies like eggplant and zucchini. Just adjust seasoning to boost the savory profile.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl feels like sharing a little slice of comfort food heaven that’s both satisfying and mindful. It’s so simple yet rich with flavor, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or whenever a pizza craving strikes without the carb guilt. Grab your skillet and oven—your new favorite pizza bowl adventure awaits!

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that captures all the flavors of pizza without the carbs from a traditional crust. Featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni, this recipe is perfect for a quick low-carb dinner anyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free if possible)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Toppings

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
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 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. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Combine with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to heat 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 with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the sliced pepperoni on top.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the recipe low carb.

Feel free to substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a more robust flavor.
Add other low-carb toppings like olives, mushrooms, or jalapeños based on preference.
Serve with a side salad to make it a complete meal.

Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Oven Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 5 g

Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g

Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: low carb pizza bowl, crustless pizza, keto pizza, low carb dinner, easy pizza recipe, gluten free pizza, pizza bowl