Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving all the delicious flavors of pizza but want to skip the carbs and dough, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe. It’s bursting with savory sausage, melty cheese, and classic pizza seasoning, all layered in a cozy bowl that’s easy to make and a joy to eat. This dish brings the essence of pizza night to your table without the guilt, making it perfect for anyone looking to indulge in rich, comforting flavors while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe, and the simplicity here is part of the magic. Each item plays an essential role, from the robust marinara that forms the saucy base to the gooey mozzarella that brings everything together into cheesy delight.

• Rao’s Marinara sauce: A low-carb sauce packed with rich tomato flavor; essential for that authentic pizza taste without extra carbs.
• 1 pound ground sausage: Adds a hearty, savory foundation that fills your bowl with meaty goodness.
• 10-12 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping for that perfect spicy, smoky bite.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings a sweet and slightly crisp texture after sautéing.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Earthy flavor and tender bite that complements the meats and cheese.
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: The star ingredient for that irresistible melty, bubbly topping.
• 1 teaspoon Flavor Gods Pizza Seasoning: Or your favorite pizza seasoning to elevate every bite with herbs and spices.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch essential in Italian-flavored dishes.
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
• Disposable pie pan or 9-inch baking dish: The perfect vessel to build and bake your crustless pizza bowl.

How to Make Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. Lightly grease your pie pan or baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or oil to keep everything from sticking and to help the flavors meld beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Add Marinara Sauce

Pour Rao’s Marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan. This layer acts as the tangy, flavorful base that gives your pizza bowl its signature saucy feel without the traditional crust.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Sauté the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly and crisps up just right. Once it’s browned and irresistible, set it aside to keep warm while you move on to the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Use the same skillet to soften the onions and mushrooms, cooking them until tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step deepens their flavor and adds a lovely texture contrast in your final dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Bowl

Layer the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and mushrooms right on top of the marinara in your pan. Next, tuck the pepperoni slices neatly over the top—each piece a tiny burst of classic pizza flavor waiting to shine.

Step 6: Season and Add Cheese

Sprinkle the pizza seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes evenly over your layered ingredients. Then cover your creation generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring every bite promises gooey, golden goodness.

Step 7: Bake

Slide your pizza bowl into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and melts into a perfectly gooey topping. This step melds all your wonderful flavors together in one harmonious dish.

Step 8: Broil

Switch your oven to broil and give the pizza bowl a quick 1 to 2-minute broil to brown and crisp the cheese on top. Keep a close eye here—it’s easy to go from golden to burnt!

Step 9: Serve

Remove the pizza bowl carefully and let it cool just a minute or two so the layers settle. Then dig in, savoring every cheesy, savory bite without the carb overload of traditional pizza.

How to Serve Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

To add a fresh twist, try garnishing the pizza bowl with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavors beautifully and add a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Keeping it low carb? Pair this pizza bowl with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil. These fresh, vibrant sides balance the richness of the pizza bowl and keep your meal bright and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fun and fancy? Serve the pizza bowl in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. You can also line the baking pan with parchment paper and slice the finished dish like a pizza pie, making it easy for sharing and giving it that traditional pizza vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pizza bowl flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty—if not better!

Freezing

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen portions keep well for up to 2 months, ready to become your go-to quick comfort meal whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for best texture, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. The cheese will melt back into that satisfying gooey goodness you loved the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook the meat thoroughly before layering it in the pizza bowl.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Yes! This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe is perfect for keto because it eliminates the high-carb crust, focusing instead on protein, fats, and low-carb vegetables.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or olives to customize the veggies in your pizza bowl. Just sauté them with the onions and mushrooms for the best texture and flavor integration.

What if I don’t have pizza seasoning?

No worries! You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes to create a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well or omit cheese altogether and increase the amount of sausage and vegetables for a delicious dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent but fits neatly into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover your new favorite way to enjoy pizza without the crust.

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