Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (low-sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add onion, garlic, and peppers.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
If using mushrooms, stir them in now.
Step 4: Season
Mix in:
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Pour in pizza sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble
Divide mixture among four oven-safe bowls or place everything into one 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes, until cheese melts.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly golden top.
Step 7: Serve
Sprinkle with parsley or basil.
Serve hot.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 31 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Net Carbs: 7 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of pizza sauce, cheese, and beef used.
Recipe Tips
- Use 93% lean ground beef to reduce fat.
- Italian sausage can replace part of the beef for extra pizza flavor.
- Choose a no-added-sugar pizza sauce to keep carbs low.
- Add pepperoni, olives, spinach, or zucchini for more toppings.
- Fresh mozzarella gives a creamier finish.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bowls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, if you use a low-carb pizza sauce and avoid high-carb toppings.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Both work well and produce a lighter dish.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, black olives, artichokes, or roasted broccoli all work well.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative or omit the cheese.
Q: What should I serve with it?
A Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or cauliflower rice make excellent low-carb sides.
Q: Why is my pizza bowl watery?
Vegetables naturally release moisture during cooking. Sauté them before baking and drain excess liquid from the beef to prevent excess liquid.
