Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
If you crave all the gooey, cheesy satisfaction of pizza, but want a lighter, carb-conscious option, this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is about to become your new favorite. It’s a crave-worthy, flavor-loaded dish packed with savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, zesty tomato sauce, and a generous layer of bubbling cheese—all conveniently baked in a bowl. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet feels like a cozy treat, delivering classic pizza comfort without the crust. When you want that pizza night feeling without derailment, this recipe has you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is its straightforward ingredient list—each element brings not just flavor, but texture and color to every bite. Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and the result is pure cheesy satisfaction.
- Ground sausage (1 lb): The hearty, savory backbone; choose spicy or mild to match your mood and taste buds.
- Diced bell peppers (1 cup, mixed colors): Burst of color and crunch, plus a subtle sweetness that brightens the bowl.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Add a tender, earthy depth and extra juiciness that complements savory sausage.
- Diced yellow onions (1 cup): Bring aromatic sweetness, balancing all the rich and robust flavors.
- Low-sugar tomato sauce (1 cup): Zesty, tangy, and keeps carbs down without sacrificing that classic pizza tang.
- Shredded cheese blend (2 cups, mozzarella and cheddar): Melty, gooey, and irresistible—mozzarella gives stretch, cheddar adds sharpness.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): The blend of herbs pulls everything together with an unmistakable pizza aroma.
How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an oven-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step not only prevents sticking but also ensures easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, making sure to brown it evenly for delicious flavor. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep your pizza bowl from getting greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Toss the diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté everything together for about five minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This quick sauté draws out their natural sweetness and ensures a tender bite in every forkful.
Step 4: Layer and Season
Transfer the sausage and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then pour the low-sugar tomato sauce right over the top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning generously, letting the herbal aroma bring that authentic pizza scent.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Shower the mixture with your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Make sure to cover every inch—those golden, bubbly edges are pure magic!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden brown top and a fragrant, irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Let it cool slightly before serving—trust me, it’s hard to wait!
How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Garnishes
Elevate your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for color and freshness. A dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of grated Parmesan also gives an extra fabulous flair. These finishing touches add personality and make your pizza bowl look irresistibly vibrant.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza bowl with a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or some crisp cucumber spears for a cool, refreshing bite between all that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with garlic butter zucchini noodles as a playful, low-carb twist on classic pasta sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at gatherings. For family-style sharing, bake in a large casserole dish and let everyone scoop their own. Want to wow the kids or guests? Layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls to show off the colorful veggies and oozy cheese for extra visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This pizza bowl freezes beautifully! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, label them with the date, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a fresh-from-the-oven effect, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef both work beautifully in this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl. If you go with ground turkey, try adding a pinch of fennel and extra Italian seasoning to mimic those classic sausage notes.
What kinds of cheese can I use?
Mix and match to your heart’s delight! Mozzarella for that stretchy pull, cheddar for sharp richness, or even provolone and Monterey Jack for extra melty goodness. Use your favorites, or whatever you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—this pizza bowl contains no bread or gluten-filled ingredients as written, but always check labels on your sausage and tomato sauce to ensure they’re gluten-free if you’re serving someone with allergies.
Can I add extra toppings?
The sky’s the limit for pizza toppings! Toss in black olives, pepperoni slices, spinach, or even artichoke hearts. Just keep veggie portions in check to avoid excess liquid while baking.
How can I make it spicier?
Start with spicy sausage, then add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or cheese layer for extra heat. You can even drizzle a little hot sauce over the top before serving for a fiery kick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a comforting, cheese-laden meal without the carb coma, give this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl a try. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. There’s something magical about digging into that melty, veggie-filled bowl—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!
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Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, this crustless pizza bowl is packed with savory flavors and colorful vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Sausage:
1 lb
Bell Peppers (mixed colors), diced:
1 cup
Mushrooms, sliced:
1 cup
Onions (yellow), diced:
1 cup
Low-sugar Tomato Sauce:
1 cup
Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella and cheddar):
2 cups
Italian Seasoning:
2 tsp
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 Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to the skillet; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Prepare Dish: 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.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This pizza bowl is customizable; feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings before baking.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground sausage with plant-based crumbles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Low Carb, Pizza Bowl, Crustless Pizza, Low-Sugar, High-Protein
