Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl: All the Flavor, None of the Crust!

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl: All the Flavor, None of the Crust!
Craving pizza but trying to keep it low carb? Look no further! This Crustless Pizza Bowl delivers all the delicious flavors you love about pizza – savory meat, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings – without the carb-heavy crust. It’s quick, easy to customize, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready to dig into this flavorful and guilt-free delight!

(Yields: 4 servings)
(Prep time: 15 minutes)
(Cook time: 20-25 minutes)

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides healthy fats for sautéing the vegetables and adds a touch of flavor.
½ cup chopped onions: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the pizza bowl. Yellow or white onions work well.
½ cup chopped green bell peppers: Contributes a slightly sweet and crisp texture. Feel free to use other colors like red, yellow, or orange for variety and added nutrients.
1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds an earthy and meaty texture. Cremini or white button mushrooms are great choices.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a pungent and aromatic flavor into the vegetable base. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Provides a hearty and protein-rich element. You can use lean ground beef or turkey to keep the dish lower in fat. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed lentils.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that provides that classic pizza flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use individual dried herbs.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Season generously according to your liking.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the flavorful base of the pizza bowl. Look for a low-sodium or no-sugar-added variety if desired.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a distinct aromatic and slightly peppery flavor that is characteristic of pizza.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky notes and adds depth of flavor.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese, providing a melty and gooey topping. You can use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella depending on your preference.
Optional Toppings (to your liking): Get creative and add your favorite pizza toppings! Here are some low-carb friendly suggestions:
Black olives, sliced: Add a salty and slightly briny flavor.
Pepperoni, sliced: Provides a spicy and savory kick.
Cooked sausage, crumbled: Offers a richer and more intense flavor.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
Spinach, chopped: Sneak in some extra greens.
Artichoke hearts, quartered: Offer a slightly tangy and unique flavor.
Pineapple (in moderation for lower carb): Adds a sweet and tangy element (use sparingly if strictly following a low-carb diet).
Red pepper flakes: For an extra touch of heat.
Fresh basil leaves: Add a fresh and aromatic garnish after baking.
Equipment:

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven-safe bowls or a baking dish
Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables (8-10 minutes)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the chopped green bell peppers and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Meat (5-7 minutes)

Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables.
Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into crumbles.
Cook the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce and Seasonings (2-3 minutes)

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Pour in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Bowls (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide the meat and sauce mixture evenly among four oven-safe bowls or transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each bowl or the baking dish.
Add your desired optional toppings over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Cheesy and Bubbly (10-15 minutes)

Place the bowls or baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The sauce should be heated through and the toppings should be cooked to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the hot pizza bowls from the oven.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and satisfying Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl!
Tips and Variations:

Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the vegetables and meat for your personal favorites.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or include some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with crumbled firm tofu, sautéed lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Add Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or heavy cream into the sauce before topping with cheese.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meat and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply reheat the mixture, top with cheese and desired toppings, and bake as directed.
Individual Servings: Using individual oven-safe bowls makes portion control easy and allows everyone to customize their own pizza bowl.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl – it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the pizza goodness without the extra carbs!