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Who doesn’t love pizza? But when you’re following a keto lifestyle, you can’t always indulge in that carb-laden crust. Thankfully, the Crustless Pizza Bowl is here to satisfy your pizza cravings without derailing your keto goals. This recipe combines all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza but without the guilt of extra carbs. You get a delicious combination of rich cheese, savory meats, and fresh toppings—everything you love about pizza, but in a perfect low-carb bowl. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a quick and easy keto dinner or even a fun, customizable meal to prep ahead for the week. This crustless pizza bowl is baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, making it the ultimate comfort food while sticking to your keto lifestyle.
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Why You’ll Love This Crustless Pizza Bowl
If you’re a pizza lover on a keto diet, this recipe is a dream come true. First of all, it’s completely low-carb and high in healthy fats and protein. The best part? It’s super versatile! You can top it with whatever pizza toppings you love—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of pesto. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy, which is perfect when you’re short on time but still craving a flavorful meal. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to switch up your usual keto meals with something comforting and familiar yet completely on the low-carb track.
My Personal Experience
I first tried the Crustless Pizza Bowl on a particularly busy day when I was craving pizza but didn’t want to spend hours preparing dough or dealing with all the carbs. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The combination of cheese, seasonings, and toppings was out of this world. It’s like all my favorite pizza flavors wrapped into one delicious bowl—no crust, no guilt. Since then, this has become one of my go-to recipes, especially for busy nights when I need something quick but satisfying. It’s also perfect for meal prep; you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
Required Equipment
Making this Crustless Pizza Bowl is as easy as can be, but there are a few key tools that will make the process a breeze.
- Oven-safe baking dish: A small or medium-sized baking dish will do perfectly for this recipe. I love using a glass dish because it allows the cheese to brown beautifully, but a ceramic or metal dish will work just as well. Make sure it’s large enough to hold your pizza bowl ingredients but not too large that it spreads everything too thin.
- Skillet: For sautéing your veggies and cooking your meat, a good non-stick skillet is essential. This ensures nothing sticks to the pan, and cleanup is quick and easy. I always recommend a skillet that heats evenly for the best results.
- Mixing spoon or spatula: A sturdy spatula is handy for stirring ingredients and scraping up the last bits of delicious cheese and sauce!
- Measuring spoons and cups: Since this recipe includes a few key seasonings, a set of measuring spoons will ensure that your pizza bowl is perfectly seasoned and balanced.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Crustless Pizza Bowl:
- Ground beef or sausage (1 lb): This forms the base of your pizza bowl. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Pepperoni (optional, ½ cup): Adds a classic pizza flavor. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, feel free to leave it out or swap it for bacon, salami, or even veggies.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Mozzarella is the perfect cheese for this dish, melting beautifully and adding a delicious cheesy stretch. If you’re dairy-free, try a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): This adds an extra level of richness and a slight tang. For a twist, try pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Pizza sauce (½ cup): This is a must for that classic pizza taste! You can also use sugar-free marinara sauce or homemade keto pizza sauce if you prefer.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): This seasoning blend brings everything together with its savory, herby flavor. You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you don’t have a pre-made one.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): For a hint of garlic flavor that makes everything taste like pizza!
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): You’ll use this to sauté the meat and veggies. It also helps to make the dish more flavorful and keeps it from sticking.
- Fresh basil (optional): For garnish, fresh basil gives a burst of color and flavor that will take your pizza bowl to the next level.
How to Make Crustless Pizza Bowl
1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you assemble the pizza bowl.
2. Cook the meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables (optional): In the same skillet, you can sauté your vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, if you’re using them. This will give them a nice caramelization and extra flavor.
4. Mix the base ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, sautéed veggies (if using), pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together so that the flavors are well combined.
5. Add the cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the mixture and stir again, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
6. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the meat and cheese mixture into your oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish and serve: Once the pizza bowl is ready, take it out of the oven and top with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot!
Tips for this Recipe
- Customize your toppings: You can switch up the toppings based on what you like on your pizza. Try adding olives, onions, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also makes great leftovers!
Optional Additions
- Keto-friendly crust: If you miss the crust, you can create a low-carb crust using almond flour or a cauliflower crust for a more traditional pizza experience.
- Extra cheese: For a cheesier pizza bowl, add a layer of extra mozzarella on top before baking.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Crustless Pizza Bowl with a side salad dressed in a keto-friendly vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. It’s also great with a side of cauliflower rice or a few slices of avocado for some extra healthy fats.
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can easily reheat your pizza bowl in the microwave or in a hot oven. If you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this pizza bowl?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat as instructed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 20g
Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- Ground beef or sausage 1 lb
- Pepperoni optional, ½ cup
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 1 ½ cups
- Shredded Parmesan cheese ¼ cup
- Pizza sauce ½ cup
- Italian seasoning 1 tsp
- Garlic powder ½ tsp
- Olive oil 1 tbsp
- Fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or sausage until browned.
- Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
- If using, sauté your vegetables in the same skillet until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, vegetables, pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration and mouthwatering recipe ideas. If you’re new to keto, don’t forget to check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide—it’s the ultimate way to start your low-carb journey with confidence!
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