Name: Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef; 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (low sugar); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 10-12 pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1/4 cup onions, diced; 2 tbsp black olives, sliced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl brings all the cheesy, savory flavors of a classic pizza—without the crust. It's a quick and satisfying meal perfect for anyone watching carbs or following a keto lifestyle. With layers of seasoned meat, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a mix of favorite toppings, I get all the pizza satisfaction without any of the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this crustless pizza bowl keeps things simple yet incredibly delicious. It skips the dough but delivers big on flavor and texture. It’s also endlessly customizable—I can add all my favorite toppings and make it as meaty, spicy, or cheesy as I want. It's a fantastic option for meal prepping, a fast weeknight dinner, or even a low-effort lunch.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground Italian sausage or ground beef
Marinara or pizza sauce (low sugar for low carb)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pepperoni slices
Bell peppers, sliced
Mushrooms, sliced
Onions, diced
Black olives, sliced
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground sausage or beef until fully cooked. I drain any excess fat.
I stir in a little garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
In an oven-safe bowl or small baking dish, I layer the cooked meat, spoonfuls of marinara sauce, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella.
I top everything with my favorite toppings like pepperoni, peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.
I sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and bake the bowl for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden top, I broil it for the last 2 minutes.
I let it cool for a minute before digging in.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I like to change it up depending on what I’m craving or what’s in my fridge:

I swap sausage for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
For extra spice, I add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
I mix in different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or parmesan.
I sometimes go veggie-only with spinach, artichokes, and zucchini.
I drizzle a little pesto or ranch over the top for a new twist.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave it for 1–2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. I avoid freezing it since the texture of the cheese and vegetables changes too much.

FAQs

How can I make this pizza bowl vegetarian?

I simply skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, peppers, olives, and spinach. I can also add a plant-based meat substitute if I like.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, I can use any store-bought sauce, but I always check the label for added sugars if I'm keeping it low carb.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but I also like mixing it with parmesan, provolone, or even a little cheddar for more depth.

Can I make this in the microwave?

I can, but I prefer the oven for that golden, bubbly top. If I'm in a rush, I microwave it in 1-minute intervals until everything’s hot and melty.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s very keto-friendly, especially when I use a sugar-free sauce and limit high-carb veggies.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl has become a staple in my kitchen. It's everything I love about pizza—gooey cheese, hearty toppings, bold flavor—without the carb-heavy crust. It’s quick, customizable, and deeply satisfying. Whether I'm meal prepping or just need a no-fuss dinner, this recipe always hits the spot.