Tasty Crustless Pizza Bowl

This bowl packs all the delicious pizza flavors you crave without any carbs. It's the answer for anyone wanting Italian comfort food while sticking to a low-carb diet. You'll get tasty seasoned meat, veggies, and melty cheese in every bite, keeping you satisfied and on track with your healthy eating.

I came up with this dish when I couldn't shake my pizza cravings during my keto diet. After playing around with different combinations, I nailed the flavor profile. Now my kids, who normally want delivery pizza, actually ask for these bowls instead.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Works as the foundation for cooking your veggies and adds a light Mediterranean touch
• Bell peppers and onions: Turn sweet and fragrant when cooked down
• Mushrooms: Give a hearty texture and soak up all the tasty flavors
• Fresh garlic: Brings that real Italian taste – skip the jar stuff for best results
• Ground beef: Adds protein and depth; an 85/15 mix works best for flavor without too much fat
• Italian seasoning: Gives you all those pizza herbs in a single scoop
• Low carb marinara sauce: Adds tomato flavor without extra sugar – always read the label first
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates those mouth-watering stretchy cheese pulls; grate it yourself for better melting
• Parmesan: Brings a salty, nutty kick to round out the flavors
• Fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and fresh taste to balance the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Turn your oven to 400°F and set 2-3 oven-safe ramekins on a baking sheet. Using a sheet makes it easier to handle multiple hot dishes and catches any spills for quick cleanup.

Cook The Veggies:

Warm olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat until it looks shiny. Toss in bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and cook them for 4-5 minutes until they get soft and release water. They should look somewhat clear but not browned. Throw in garlic and stir constantly for just one minute so it won't burn but still releases its smell.

Cook The Meat:

Move the veggies to one side of the pan and drop the ground beef or turkey in the empty space. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper right on the meat. Break it into little pieces with your spatula while it cooks, making sure it browns evenly. Cook until you don't see any pink, about 5-7 minutes, then drain off extra fat if needed.

Mix With Sauce:

Pour your marinara over everything and mix it all together. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes to help the flavors come together and thicken up a bit. This short simmer really makes a difference in how flavorful your final dish tastes.

Fill Your Bowls:

Scoop the hot mixture evenly into your ramekins, leaving some room at the top for cheese. Cover with plenty of shredded mozzarella and then sprinkle Parmesan on top for that classic pizza experience. Add some red pepper flakes now if you want a bit of heat.

Bake Until Bubbly:

Put your filled ramekins in the hot oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for completely melted cheese that bubbles at the edges and gets golden brown spots on top. You'll know it's done when your kitchen smells like a pizzeria.

Add Final Touches:

Take the bubbling bowls out and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving to add some brightness and color. Serve while still hot but be careful since the dishes stay hot for quite a while.

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Your choice of marinara sauce really matters in this dish. I tried saving money once with a cheap brand and totally regretted it. These days I either make my own sugar-free version or spend a little more on good quality low-carb marinara that brings real Italian flavor without extra carbs.

Make-Ahead Options

These bowls are perfect for planning ahead. You can make the meat and veggie mix up to three days early and keep it in the fridge. When you're hungry, just put it in ramekins, add cheese on top, and bake as directed. The flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge for a day as everything melds together.

Customization Ideas

Think of this dish as your blank pizza slate. If you love meat, throw in some pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, or crumbled bacon before adding cheese. Going vegetarian works great too – just swap the beef for a plant-based option or add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts. Want different flavors? Try mixing up your cheeses with provolone, goat cheese, or even smoky gouda.

Serving Suggestions

These bowls stand on their own as a full meal, but they go really well with a basic green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing. For family members who aren't counting carbs, you can offer some garlic bread on the side. We love setting up a DIY pizza bowl station where everyone picks their own toppings for a fun dinner experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

Got watery pizza bowls? Your veggies probably let out too much moisture while cooking. Make sure you cook them well before adding any sauce. If your cheese burns before everything's hot enough, just cover the bowls loosely with foil for part of the baking time. For easier cleanup, spray your ramekins with cooking spray before filling them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I prep these pizza bowls in advance?

Sure thing! Cook the veggie and meat filling up to 48 hours early. Keep it chilled in the fridge, and just portion it into bowls, add cheese, and bake. If you're starting it cold, add a few more minutes to the baking time.

→ What size ramekins should I use?

Look for oven-safe bowls that hold 8-10 ounces (240-300ml). If you're feeding a group, use a medium casserole dish instead, though you might need to bake it a little longer.

→ What can I serve with these bowls?

Keep it low-carb with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or a salad dressed lightly with oil and vinegar. If carbs aren't an issue, go for garlic bread or breadsticks—they're classic!

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Skip the meat and load up on veggies. Add diced zucchini, eggplant, or even more mushrooms for depth. Or try plant-based meat substitutes to keep that texture.

→ How do I pick a low-carb marinara sauce?

Flip the jar and check the label! Look for marinara with no more than 5g carbs per half-cup. Avoid hidden sugars listed as 'syrup,' 'honey,' or ingredients ending in '-ose' like dextrose.

→ Are these pizza bowls freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, wrap each bowl tightly in plastic and foil. They'll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.