If you’ve ever found yourself craving the ooey-gooey comfort of pizza but want to stay committed to a low-carb lifestyle, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is about to become your new favorite dinnertime hero. It’s all the best flavors and cheesy goodness of a classic pizza, but without the crust, making it both satisfyingly indulgent and guilt-free. Packed with Italian sausage, colorful veggies, loads of melty cheese, and plenty of zesty seasonings, this bowl offers layers of flavor, great texture, and the perfect fix when you’re yearning for something hearty yet lighter on carbs.

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl are beautifully simple, but each one is essential for building those pizza-layered flavors you expect from your favorite slice. From savory sausage to vibrant veggies and creamy, molten cheese, every component plays a role in making this dish totally irresistible.

Italian sausage or ground beef: Delivers savory, meaty flavor and heartiness as the base – choose hot or mild sausage for extra personality.
Diced onion: Adds a little sweetness and punch that rounds out all the rich flavors in the bowl.
Diced bell pepper: Offers color, a gentle crunch, and a fresh, slightly sweet note that brightens each bite.
Sliced mushrooms: Bring earthy undertones and a touch of umami, making the mix extra satisfying.
Marinara or pizza sauce (low sugar): Uses a lower sugar base to keep carbs in check without sacrificing that bright, robust tomato flavor we love.
Italian seasoning: Infuses every bite with those classic, herbaceous pizza flavors.
Garlic powder: Lends subtle warmth and depth to the sauce – a must for true pizza lovers.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in some heat if you like a little tingle with your cheesy bite!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese – stringy, melty, and absolutely essential for the pizza experience.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty notes and a golden finish on top.
Sliced pepperoni: Adds smokiness, spice, and an iconic pizza topping touch.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the final dish with freshness and gorgeous color.

How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, then grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage or ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Give it a few minutes until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. If your meat is a little fatty, drain off the excess grease to keep your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, it’s time to load up on flavor and color—add the diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms right into the skillet with the browned meat. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the veggies have softened up nicely. This not only adds texture but ensures every bite is packed with sweet, savory goodness.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in your low-sugar marinara or pizza sauce, followed by the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of spice. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, just enough for all the flavors to meld and become irresistibly aromatic.

Step 4: Prep the Bowls

Spoon the savory mixture evenly into four oven-safe ramekins or small bowls. This builds the hearty foundation for your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl and ensures every serving gets that perfect balance of meat, veggies, and sauce.

Step 5: Top with Cheeses and Pepperoni

The real pizza magic happens now—generously sprinkle each portion with shredded mozzarella and a touch of Parmesan, then add a few slices of pepperoni on top. This trio will give your bowls a bubbling, molten cheese layer and that undeniable pizza aroma that fills the whole kitchen!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden around the edges. The anticipation is half the fun!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls with a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Then, dive in while everything is hot and melty!

How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Garnishes

Sprinkle on some chopped fresh basil or parsley as soon as your bowls come out of the oven—these herbs add a burst of fragrance and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the melty, cheesy topping. For extra flair, try a drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper for boldness.

Side Dishes

Since the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is already quite hearty, pair it with lighter options—a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, some roasted broccolini, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying but balanced meal. If you’re feeling like a true pizza night, serve with a side plate of marinated olives or pickled peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

While ramekins make for an adorable single-serve experience, you can also prepare the mixture in one large casserole dish if you’re serving a crowd. Or, let guests assemble their own bowls and add favorite extras—like black olives, banana peppers, or even jalapeños—for a totally custom pizza night. Don’t forget small bowls of dipping sauces for that fun pizzeria touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl, simply let the ramekins cool slightly, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator. The flavors only get better as they mingle, and your pizza bowls will keep fresh for up to four days.

Freezing

You can freeze these pizza bowls for future cravings! Assemble as directed (but don’t bake yet), tightly wrap the cooled bowls, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual—perfect for meal prepping on busy weeks.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, pop your leftovers into a 350°F oven and bake until the cheese is hot and bubbly again, about 10–12 minutes. In a hurry? The microwave also works—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use other meats or make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in cooked chicken, turkey, or even a crumbled vegetarian sausage or plant-based ground for a twist. The magic of the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is its flexibility to fit your tastes (and your fridge).

What kind of marinara or pizza sauce should I use?

Choose a sauce labeled “no sugar added” or one specifically made for low-carb diets to minimize carbs. There are plenty of flavorful, lower-carb jarred sauces available in most grocery stores, or you can whip up your own homemade version!

Can I make this in advance for meal prep?

Yes, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble (and even bake) the bowls ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when ready to eat. They retain their flavor and texture and make weekday lunches a breeze.

Are there other low-carb pizza toppings I can add?

Definitely! Try black olives, banana peppers, jalapeños, cooked bacon, or even spinach. Mix and match your favorites for a totally custom experience every time you make it.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, as long as you stick to a sugar-free marinara or pizza sauce and watch your vegetable add-ins, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is naturally keto-friendly while still delivering that irresistible pizza satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly delightful about digging into a bubbling, cheesy pizza bowl that feels decadent yet fits your low-carb goals. I can’t wait for you to experience all the comfort and flavor this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl delivers—so go ahead, gather your favorite toppings, and treat yourself (and everyone at your table) to a new pizza night tradition!

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in all the flavors of a pizza without the carbs with this delicious Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl recipe. Packed with savory Italian sausage, veggies, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni, this easy-to-make dish is a low-carb lover’s dream come true.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce (low sugar)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the meat: In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, and cook until tender.
Season and simmer: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until heated through.
Prepare ramekins: Spoon the mixture into ramekins. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Customize with your favorite low-carb pizza toppings like black olives, banana peppers, or cooked bacon.
Use sugar-free marinara for minimal carbs.
Great for meal prep and reheats well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American