Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Introduction

As someone who enjoys indulging in pizza but is looking to reduce carbs, the Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl has become an absolute favorite. This dish has everything you love about pizza—delicious marinara, savory meats, flavorful vegetables, and melty cheese—without the carbs from traditional pizza dough. The great thing about this recipe is how customizable it is: you can adjust the toppings to your preferences or dietary restrictions. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect comfort food that still fits into a low-carb lifestyle. The combination of spicy pepperoni, savory sausage, and the richness of melted mozzarella is guaranteed to satisfy your pizza cravings without the guilt. I’ve made this several times for family meals, and it’s always a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For this low-carb crustless pizza bowl, gather the following ingredients:

• Rao’s Marinara (or any low-carb marinara sauce of your choice)
• 1 pound ground sausage
• Pepperoni slices (about 10-12 slices)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon Flavor Gods Pizza Seasoning (or your favorite pizza seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• 1 disposable pie pan (for convenience)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a disposable pie pan by lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Prepare the base:
   Start by adding the desired amount of Rao’s Marinara to the bottom of the pie pan. Spread it evenly to cover the base. You can add more or less depending on how saucy you like your pizza bowl.
3. Cook the sausage:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring it cooks evenly. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.
4. Sauté the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté them until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If you like a bit more caramelization on the onions, you can cook them for a few minutes longer.
5. Assemble the pizza bowl:
   Add the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and mushrooms to the pie pan with the marinara. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top, ensuring each bite will have a bit of pepperoni in it.
6. Season the bowl:
   Sprinkle the pizza seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the mixture. This adds the perfect pizza flavor to your low-carb bowl.
7. Add the cheese:
   Top the entire mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cheese covers everything evenly for that gooey, melty top.
8. Bake:
   Place the assembled pizza bowl into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Broil the top:
   Once the cheese is melted, switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the pizza bowl for 1-2 minutes to get the cheese golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Serve:
    Let the pizza bowl cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low-carb, crustless pizza bowl!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving – based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a main dish: This pizza bowl is filling and makes for a great main dish. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• For lunch or dinner: It’s perfect for either a quick lunch or a hearty dinner. Serve with a side of your favorite low-carb bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• As a snack: You can even enjoy this as a hearty snack between meals when you’re craving something savory.

Additional Tips

1. Make it spicier: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some fresh jalapeños on top before baking.
2. Add extra veggies: Try adding more low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Use turkey sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, swap out the ground sausage for turkey sausage.
4. Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You can also freeze individual servings for later.
5. Customize the cheese: If you’re a fan of other cheeses, feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian version: Replace the sausage and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives like veggie sausage or extra mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
2. Spicy sausage: For added heat, use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo instead of regular ground sausage.
3. Cheesy garlic crust: If you’re missing the crunch of crust, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on the edges of the pan and bake until crispy.
4. Paleo version: Skip the cheese and use a Paleo-friendly marinara sauce for a dairy-free, Paleo-friendly pizza bowl.
5. Keto version: Keep the recipe as is for a keto-friendly meal, or use a keto-approved marinara sauce and increase the amount of cheese for extra fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair this crustless pizza bowl with a refreshing salad, such as a simple Caesar salad or an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic Butter Bread: For those who aren’t strictly low-carb, serve it with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into the marinara sauce.
• Low-Carb Dipping Sauce: You can also serve this with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese for dipping.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover pizza bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole for later, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until bubbly and hot.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza bowl in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until hot. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different marinara sauce?
   Yes, feel free to use any low-carb marinara sauce you prefer, as long as it has no added sugars.
2. Can I make this without sausage?
   Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
3. How do I keep the crustless pizza bowl from getting soggy?
   Be sure to drain the cooked sausage and vegetables well before adding them to the bowl to avoid excess moisture.
4. Can I add extra cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add more mozzarella or other cheeses for an even cheesier dish.
5. How can I make it dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for non-dairy alternatives.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
7. How spicy is this recipe?
   The level of spice is customizable. You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to make it spicier.
8. Can I use regular pepperoni instead of low-carb pepperoni?
   Yes, you can use regular pepperoni if you’re not concerned with carbs. Just be mindful of the carb count.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, you can add bell peppers, spinach, olives, or zucchini for more veggies in the pizza bowl.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as the marinara sauce and any other ingredients you use are gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is the perfect solution for anyone craving pizza without the carbs. Packed with savory sausage, pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that satisfies pizza

cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, this dish is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and easily customizable. It’s a great weeknight dinner option and can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later. Give this pizza bowl a try and enjoy all the deliciousness of pizza without the crust!

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