Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

A low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza that eliminates the crust to reduce carbohydrates while preserving flavor. This high-protein dish is easy to meal prep and customizable with various toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sugar pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or four individual oven-safe bowls with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground sausage or beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Divide the meat and sauce mixture evenly among the prepared bowls or baking dish. Top each bowl with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Place the bowls in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown cheese topping, switch the oven to broil during the final 1–2 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bowls to cool for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes. Tips: Use whole-milk mozzarella for creaminess, choose low-sugar pizza sauce, and brown meat thoroughly for deeper flavor. Nutritional Information per serving: 420 Calories, 29g Protein, 30g Total Fat, 8g Carbohydrates, 6g Net Carbs.