Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
If you crave the satisfying flavors of pizza but want to avoid the carbs, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is about to become your new weeknight obsession. This protein-packed twist on pizza skips the dough entirely—layering spicy sausage, vibrant veggies, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese into a crave-worthy casserole that’s as hearty as it is wholesome. Grab your spoon and get ready for all the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza, just without the guilt. Let’s dive into your new favorite easy dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl has a starring role in both flavor and texture. These simple ingredients are pantry staples, but when combined, they transform into something far more magical than sum of their parts.
- Ground Sausage: Use spicy for a kick, or mild to keep it classic; either way, it delivers depth and a hearty base.
- Bell Peppers (mixed colors): Bright and crisp, these add gorgeous color and a subtle sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor soaks up the sausage juices and provides a satisfying bite.
- Onions (yellow): Essential for that mellow, savory undertone every pizza needs.
- Low-sugar Tomato Sauce: Keeps things lower in carbs but still packs in zesty, tangy flavor.
- Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella and cheddar): Melts into bubbly perfection; the mix ensures that classic pizza stretch and depth of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings all the herby, aromatic magic, tying every bite together.
How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray your favorite oven-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps everything from sticking and makes clean-up a snap. A little prep at the start sets you up for smooth assembly later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Set a skillet over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Sauté, stirring and breaking it up, until it’s fully cooked and delightfully browned. Once done, drain off any excess fat. This ensures your pizza bowl won’t turn greasy while keeping all the craveable flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
To the same skillet, toss in your chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and diced onions. Sauté everything together for about five minutes, just until the veggies are softened and begin to caramelize. This step builds flavor and ensures the vegetables lend sweetness and texture, not rawness, to the finished dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Bowl
Scoop the sausage and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the low-sugar tomato sauce right over the top and sprinkle the Italian seasoning across the sauce for a boost of herb-filled aroma. Now, pile on that gorgeous cheese blend—it’ll melt into a stretch of golden, bubbly perfection in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get melty, bubbly, and flecked with golden brown spots. That’s your sign it’s ready! The aroma is going to drive everyone in your house wild.
Step 6: Let It Cool Slightly
Patience is a virtue here: let your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl cool for just a few minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps everything set up a bit so you scoop gorgeous, cohesive servings (and avoid burning your tongue on the molten cheese!).
How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Garnishes
Go for a flourish of chopped fresh basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning right before serving. A dusting of grated parmesan on top adds a final touch of richness and contrast—plus, it looks as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
For a truly satisfying low-carb dinner, pair your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. If you’re not counting carbs, serve with warm garlic knots or even some oven-roasted asparagus for extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping individual servings into small ramekins for a fun, personal take—ideal for family pizza nights or dinner parties. You could also top each bowl with different pizza-inspired extras like sliced olives, fresh arugula, or a drizzle of chili oil to make each one special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a lunch you’ll look forward to. Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors keep developing, so each reheated bite is just as good—if not better!
Freezing
This dish can absolutely be frozen for easy meal prep. Cool the pizza bowl completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave or pop the whole baking dish back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. For the crispiest topping, reheat uncovered so the cheese doesn’t become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Definitely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You may want to add some extra Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor, since sausage is naturally more robust.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is perfect for keto since it’s carb-conscious and packed with protein. Just double-check your tomato sauce for added sugars to ensure it stays keto-friendly.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with crumbled tofu or a plant-based sausage. Amp up the mushrooms for extra savory flavor, and pile in your favorite veggies—a pizza bowl is endlessly adaptable.
What cheese blend works best?
Classic mozzarella and cheddar deliver a gooey melt and rich flavor, but you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a little parmesan for bolder taste. Use your favorite combination for your ideal pizza topping experience!
How do I prevent watery pizza bowls?
The key is to sauté your veggies thoroughly to cook off excess moisture before assembling the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl. Using a thicker tomato sauce also helps keep things hearty and scoopable, not soupy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is healthy, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl truly fits the bill. With all the best flavors of pizza but none of the carb-heavy regrets, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try—you (and your tastebuds!) won’t be disappointed.
Print
Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional pizza. Packed with savory sausage, colorful veggies, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this recipe is a low-carb twist that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced onions (yellow)
- 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an oven-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Sauté Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to the skillet; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, pour tomato sauce over it, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, pepperoni, or spinach.
- Feel free to use any combination of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Low Carb, Crustless Pizza, Pizza Bowl, Sausage, Cheese, Veggies
