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My pizza bowl without a crust has become my go-to fix for those pizza urges minus all those carbs. All the tasty, rich pizza flavors come together in a simple bowl that helps me stick with my low-carb eating plan while still getting that real pizza feeling I crave.
I came up with this dish during a really tough part of my keto diet when I couldn't stop thinking about pizza. After trying some cauliflower crusts that just weren't doing it for me, this bowl version quickly became something my whole family loves - even my teenagers who usually want tons of carbs ask for it regularly.
What You'll Need
- Olive oil: Makes a nice starting point for cooking and brings a bit of that Mediterranean touch
- Italian sausage or ground beef: Gives you that filling protein and nice chunky texture
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder: Bring that authentic pizza taste without extra chopping
- Marinara sauce (no sugar): Try to find one with less than 5g carbs per serving for best keto results
- Mozzarella cheese: Grate it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives: Add some crunch and good stuff without piling on carbs
- Pepperoni slices: Go for the uncured kinds to avoid extra chemicals
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that deep savory taste that makes pizza so good
- Fresh herbs: Add some color and fresh flavor to finish things off
Easy Cooking Guide
- Cook Your Meat First:
- Get your olive oil hot in a pan over medium heat until you can see it shimmer. Toss in your Italian sausage or ground beef and break it up into tiny bits with a wooden spoon. Let it cook about 5-7 minutes till it's brown all the way through. Tip the pan to drain off extra fat, using your spoon to keep the meat in place.
- Add Your Flavors:
- While your meat's still hot, throw in all your dry seasonings. The warm meat helps wake up those dried herbs. Keep stirring for about a minute so nothing burns and everything gets mixed in well.
- Set Up Your Bowls:
- Pick out bowls that can go in the oven, about 6 inches across and 2 inches deep. Split up your seasoned meat between the bowls and press it down a bit to make a good base. Spoon your marinara over the top and spread it all the way to the edges so your meat doesn't dry out while baking.
- Add All Your Toppings:
- Start with a thick layer of mozzarella covering all the sauce. Then put your veggies and pepperoni on in a nice pattern, making sure to spread them throughout the bowl, not just on top. Finish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan that'll turn golden as it bakes.
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Put your bowls on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Stick them in your hot oven and watch them after 8 minutes. You want the cheese totally melted with little golden spots showing up. The edges should bubble a bit when they're done.
- Final Touches:
- Let the bowls cool for 3-5 minutes before you pick them up. Tear some fresh basil or sprinkle chopped parsley on top right before you serve them to add some freshness to the rich flavors. A small side salad with oil and vinegar makes it a complete meal.
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This dish kept me going during my first weeks eating low carb. The marinara really makes everything come together. It's worth spending a bit more for good quality sugar-free sauce or making your own with roasted tomatoes to get the deepest flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
These pizza bowls work great for cooking in batches. Make several at once, bake them, then keep them in the fridge up to 4 days. To warm them up, microwave for 2 minutes or put them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mix together!
Easy Swaps
If you don't eat meat, try mixing finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts cooked with the same seasonings instead. It gives you a surprisingly meaty texture while staying low carb. You can use dairy-free options too, just check the carb counts on plant-based cheeses since some have added starches.
Fun Family Dinner Idea
Turn dinner into a fun activity by setting up a pizza bowl bar. Get the meat base and sauce ready, then let everyone add their favorite toppings. This works really well when people in your house follow different diets or if you have picky eaters. Kids especially love getting to build their own meals.
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A tasty answer for pizza lovers following a low-carb lifestyle, these bowls let you enjoy endless topping combos with rich flavors in every spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch the meat in the bowl?
Absolutely! You can try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat substitutes for a lighter or vegan-friendly version.
- → What extra toppings work well?
Add anything you love—onions, spinach, zucchini, or even crispy bacon or tangy salami for an extra kick.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Just skip the cheese or choose a good dairy-free option like almond-based or cashew-based products that melt easily.
- → Can I prep these bowls in advance?
Sure! Assemble them and store them in the fridge. Then, bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes when you're ready to enjoy.
- → Is this okay for a keto diet?
Definitely! The focus on low-carb ingredients, marinara, and cheese fits perfectly with most keto meal plans.
- → How do I stop the bowls from getting soggy?
After cooking the meat, drain the grease. If you're adding veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.