Pizza night doesn’t have to derail your low-carb lifestyle! My Crustless Pizza Bowl delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave without the carb-heavy crust. This clever deconstructed pizza features a bubbling hot bowl of your favorite toppings, sauce, and plenty of melted cheese—perfect for anyone watching their carbs or following keto, but delicious enough that the whole family will request it again and again.
I developed this recipe during my own low-carb journey when pizza cravings hit hard. Rather than settling for cauliflower crusts that never quite satisfied, I went straight for what everyone really wants: the toppings! The result is a comforting, customizable meal that comes together in under 45 minutes and makes portion control a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This
- Truly low-carb and keto-friendly with just 8g net carbs per serving
- Customizable with whatever pizza toppings your family loves
- Ready in 45 minutes with minimal prep work
- One-dish meal means easy cleanup
- Satisfies pizza cravings without the guilt or carb crash
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get out 2-3 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes, depending on their size. Place them on a baking sheet for easier handling later.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the hot oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and started to release their flavors. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more – this prevents the garlic from burning while still releasing its aroma.
- Push all the vegetables to one side of the skillet to make room for the meat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the cleared space. Season the meat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains – about 5-7 minutes. If you’ve used a fattier meat, you may want to carefully drain off some of the excess fat at this point.
- Pour the low-carb marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Divide the hot meat and veggie mixture evenly among your prepared ramekins or baking dishes. Make sure not to fill them completely to the top, as the cheese will need some room. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each portion, then top with the grated Parmesan cheese. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Place the baking sheet with your filled ramekins into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted, is bubbling around the edges, and has developed some golden brown spots on top.
- Remove the pizza bowls from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes – they’ll be extremely hot! Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve while still hot, but be careful as the ramekins will remain hot for some time.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground sausage for pepperoni, ground beef, or shredded chicken for different flavor profiles
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts
- For a spicier bowl, add jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage
- Double-check your marinara sauce label—some brands contain added sugars that increase the carb count
- Prep the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time, then just add sauce and cheese before baking when ready to eat
- For a breakfast version, add scrambled eggs to the mix and top with bacon bits
Serving Suggestions
These pizza bowls are hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but you can round out the dinner with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. For those not watching carbs, garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
If entertaining, set up a “pizza bowl bar” with the base mixture and let guests add their preferred toppings before the final baking step. Serve with small bowls of extra toppings like fresh herbs, crushed red pepper, and extra parmesan for sprinkling.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through
- For meal prep, portion into individual microwave-safe containers after cooling
- The cheese should be golden brown but not burnt—cover with foil if browning too quickly
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meat and vegetable mixture up to 2 days ahead, then add the cheese and bake when ready to serve.
How do I know if my marinara sauce is low-carb?
Check the nutrition label—look for sauces with less than 5g of carbs per 1/4 cup serving and no added sugar in the ingredients list.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture of the vegetables may change slightly. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before adding the cheese and baking in the oven.
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