Introduction and Origin
The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a modern, keto-friendly twist on a classic favorite. Inspired by the flavors of a traditional pizza—but without the carb-heavy crust—this dish is all about delivering that cheesy, saucy, meaty goodness in a bowl. It’s fast, satisfying, and totally customizable.
Cultural Significance
With the rise of low-carb and keto lifestyles, crustless versions of comfort foods have gained major popularity. This pizza bowl is the perfect example of how a dish can adapt to new dietary needs while still being crave-worthy and familiar.
Ingredients
Quantity (Serves 2–3)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (low sugar/keto-friendly if needed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Additions
- Black olives
- Cooked bacon bits
- Fresh basil or spinach
- Ricotta or parmesan for extra creaminess
- Crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version
Tips for Success
- Use a ramekin or oven-safe bowl to keep portions neat.
- Layer ingredients like a pizza: sauce on bottom, then toppings, then cheese.
- Broil at the end for bubbly, golden cheese with a crispy edge.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté veggies (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet and lightly sauté mushrooms, peppers, and onions until tender.
- Layer in bowl: In each oven-safe dish, add a layer of sauce, cooked meat, sautéed veggies, and cheese. Top with pepperoni and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve hot with a side salad or low-carb garlic bread.
Description
This bowl brings all the best parts of pizza—savory meats, melty cheese, zesty sauce—into a warm, spoonable form without the crust. It’s comfort food made simple and guilt-free.
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 8g (net)
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Conclusion and Recommendation
If you love pizza but want to skip the carbs, this crustless pizza bowl is a total win. It’s quick, cozy, and packed with flavor—ideal for busy weeknights or a low-carb lifestyle.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Use lean meats, lots of veggies, and a sugar-free sauce to keep things balanced. It’s all the flavor you crave, with none of the guilt.
Craving a white pizza version or something vegetarian? I can whip up variations too!