Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

This savory pizza bowl packs all the flavor of your favorite slice in a low-carb dish you can make on a weeknight. Each spoonful combines hearty ground meat, aromatic veggies, zesty marinara, and plenty of gooey cheese baked until bubbling. With no dough to fuss over, it is the easiest way to enjoy pizza night and fit your eating goals.

My family loves having these pizza bowls on busy weeknights and everyone assembles their own for a personalized favorite For me it has become the perfect fix when I am craving pizza without wanting to roll out a crust

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the veggies Choose extra virgin for the freshest flavor
• Onions: chopped for aromatic sweetness Look for onions with tight dry skins for best quality
• Green bell peppers: for a little crunch and color Firm and glossy peppers work best
• Mushrooms: bring earthiness Wipe with a damp cloth instead of rinsing to keep the texture
• Garlic: minced for bold depth Use plump fresh garlic cloves
• Ground beef or ground turkey: makes it hearty Choose leaner meat if you want to cut extra fat
• Italian seasoning: blends key herbs like oregano and basil A fresh blend will lift the sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: boosts flavor Always season in stages
• Low-carb marinara sauce: the classic pizza taste with less sugar Read labels to find one without added sugar or starch
• Crushed red pepper flakes: optional for a gentle kick Buy in small batches to keep potency
• Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded for the best melt Avoid pre-shredded if possible for creamier results
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for salty bite Real Parmigiano Reggiano adds the most flavor
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: adds a pop of color and fresh finish Tender leaves are the most fragrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Ramekins:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Get out two or three oven safe ramekins or small baking dishes Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling later

Cook the Vegetables:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add chopped onions bell peppers and sliced mushrooms Cook for four to five minutes stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft and fragrant Add minced garlic and cook another minute so the garlic releases its aroma but does not burn

Brown the Meat:

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet Add the ground beef or turkey to the empty side Season with Italian seasoning salt and black pepper Break up the meat with a utensil as it cooks Cook for five to seven minutes until the meat browns fully and no pink remains If there is excess fat gently drain it off

Add the Marinara and Simmer:

Pour in the low-carb marinara sauce Stir the sauce meat and vegetables together until combined Let this mixture simmer gently for two to three minutes so the flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Fill the Ramekins and Add Cheese:

Divide the hot meat and veggie mixture evenly among the ramekins Do not fill to the very top as cheese needs space Sprinkle mozzarella generously over each portion then top with grated Parmesan cheese Add crushed red pepper flakes now if you like some spice

Bake and Garnish:

Place the baking sheet with ramekins in the oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the cheese has fully melted is bubbling and has golden brown spots on top

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven Let the pizza bowls cool for two to three minutes as they will be very hot Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over each bowl Serve while hot and enjoy carefully as the ramekins hold heat

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Mozzarella is always the star for me because it turns golden and gooey in the oven and my kids always hover near the kitchen when they start to smell the cheese bubbling My favorite memory is letting everyone sprinkle on their own favorite toppings before baking and watching the cheese stretch as we scoop out every bite

Storage Tips

Leftover pizza bowls keep well in the fridge Main tip is to cool them fully before covering and storing for up to three days Reheat uncovered in the oven or use a microwave if you are short on time The cheese stays stretchy and the sauce rich if warmed gently

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground chicken or Italian sausage for beef or turkey For vegetarian make it with sautéed zucchini or more mushrooms Use any cheese blend you love Just stick with full fat cheese for the best melt and flavor Substitute any color bell pepper you like

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Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the ramekin as an easy meal Or pair it with a big Italian style salad or lightly cooked green beans For a real pizza night feeling offer little bowls of extra toppings like olives or pepperoni for last minute additions

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza is an Italian classic but its toppings and style have changed to fit every region and dietary need This crustless bowl comes straight from the trend for low carb eating and the love for bold Italian flavor without all the fuss It is proof pizza can be enjoyed any way you like

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different meats in this pizza bowl?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, chicken, or even crumbled Italian sausage all work well. Just adjust seasoning as needed.

→ How do I make sure the cheese gets bubbly and golden?

Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until the top develops golden spots and bubbles around the edges.

→ Can I add extra vegetables or toppings?

Yes, feel free to include olives, spinach, pepperoni, or any pizza topping you love. Adjust bake time if adding watery vegetables.

→ Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as your marinara sauce is gluten-free, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free as well.

→ What’s the best way to serve this pizza bowl?

Serve straight from the oven while hot in individual ramekins, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the meat and veggie mixture in advance and refrigerate. Add cheese and bake just before serving.