Low Carb Pizza Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low carb pizza bowls are a delicious, satisfying alternative to traditional pizza, offering all the bold, cheesy flavors without the excess carbs. Perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these bowls are quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re cutting carbs or just looking for a new, easy dinner idea, this recipe will hit the spot.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• Marinara or low-carb pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Pepperoni slices
• Bell peppers, diced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Black olives, sliced
• Red onion, chopped
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground sausage or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Drain excess fat, then stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
4. In oven-safe bowls, layer cooked meat at the bottom.
5. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce over the meat layer.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella, then add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red onions.
7. Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
8. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add bacon, ham, and extra pepperoni.
• Veggie Delight: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot Italian sausage, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, or cheddar for a cheesier experience.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza bowl in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I keep the pizza bowls from becoming watery?

Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked meat and avoid using too much sauce or watery vegetables.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bowls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you use a low-carb marinara sauce and avoid high-carb vegetables.

Can I freeze low carb pizza bowls?

Yes, assemble the bowls, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to mix in parmesan, provolone, or cheddar.

Can I use chicken instead of beef or sausage?

Absolutely. Ground chicken or diced cooked chicken both work well.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, simply skip the meat and add more vegetables and cheese.

What size bowls should I use?

Use oven-safe bowls that can hold about 1 to 1.5 cups of filling.

How can I add more flavor?

Season the meat well, use flavorful toppings like olives and onions, and add fresh herbs after baking.

Can I cook this in the microwave?

While the oven gives the best results, you can microwave the bowls for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Conclusion

Low carb pizza bowls are a fantastic, customizable, and quick meal perfect for busy nights or when you crave pizza without the carbs. With endless topping possibilities, you can make them as simple or loaded as you like. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness guilt-free!

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