The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a brilliantly satisfying solution for anyone craving the robust, comforting flavors of pizza without the carbs and calories of a traditional doughy crust. This recipe deconstructs the classic pizza into a hearty, layered casserole-in-a-bowl, where all the best parts—the savory toppings and the melted, gooey cheese—take center stage. The foundation is built with flavorful ground Italian sausage, browned to perfection and then combined with classic pizza vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, which are sautéed until just tender. This hearty mixture is then simmered in a sugar-free marinara sauce, allowing the Italian seasoning and a hint of optional red pepper flakes to meld into a rich, cohesive “pizza sauce” base. The magic happens when this mixture is topped with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella and baked until the cheese is irresistibly golden, bubbly, and stretched to perfection.
The true genius of this dish lies in its versatility and its ability to deliver deep pizza satisfaction in a convenient, single-serving format. By baking it in individual oven-safe bowls, you create a personal, portion-controlled meal that feels special and is perfectly melted from edge to edge. The method is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in well under 30 minutes. It’s also endlessly customizable; you can easily swap the Italian sausage for ground beef, pepperoni, or even grilled chicken, and incorporate any of your favorite low-carb pizza toppings like onions, spinach, or pepperoncini. The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl proves that you don’t need bread to enjoy the essence of pizza, offering a delicious, guilt-free, and deeply comforting meal that will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All the Pizza Flavor, None of the Carbs: This bowl delivers the iconic taste of pizza in a low-carb, gluten-free format that aligns with various dietary goals.
- Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes, this is a fast, satisfying solution for a busy evening.
- Endlessly Customizable: Use your favorite pizza toppings and proteins to make this bowl your own. It’s a perfect way to clean out the veggie drawer.
- Perfect Portion Control: Baking in individual bowls provides built-in portion control and makes for a fun, personal dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, diced onions, cooked ground beef
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Brown Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are tender-crisp.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce into the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to heat through.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly among four oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Sprinkle the sliced black olives evenly over the top of the mixture in each bowl.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Top each bowl with a generous, even layer of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet for easy handling and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has started to develop golden spots.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizza bowls cool for 2-3 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose Your Sausage: Mild Italian sausage provides a classic flavor, while hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick. You can also use ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Sauté the vegetables until they are just tender. They will continue to cook slightly in the oven, and you want them to retain a bit of bite for texture.
- Broil for Extra Browning: For a more deeply browned and crisp cheese top, switch the oven to a high broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Make it a Skillet Pizza: For a family-style option, you can assemble and bake the entire recipe in a large oven-safe skillet instead of individual bowls.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until hot, or for a better texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
- Freezing: The assembled, unbaked bowls freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until hot and bubbly.
