This crustless pizza bowl delivers all the savory comfort of classic pizza without the blood-sugar spikes. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and carefully balanced cheese, it’s a satisfying, low-carb meal designed to support steady energy and smart nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy pizza flavors while keeping carbs in check. It’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, quick to prepare, and easy to customize. The generous vegetables add volume and fiber, helping you feel full without overloading on calories or sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb lean ground turkey or lean ground chicken (93–99% lean)
1½ cups mushrooms, sliced
½ small onion, finely diced (optional)
¾ cup no-sugar-added marinara sauce
¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1½ cups fresh spinach or zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
Add the diced onion if using, along with the mushrooms and spinach or zucchini. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and excess moisture has evaporated.
Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Add the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Divide the mixture evenly into four oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over each portion, followed by the cheddar if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Use ground beef that is at least 90% lean for a slightly richer flavor.
Add bell peppers or olives for extra pizza-style vegetables.
Swap mozzarella for a reduced-fat Italian cheese blend.
Increase spice by adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based cheese alternative with low carbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through.
Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming oily.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and includes fiber-rich vegetables to help support stable blood sugar levels.
Can I freeze crustless pizza bowls?
Yes, freeze them before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Choose a no-sugar-added marinara with minimal ingredients and low net carbs.
Can I skip the onion?
Yes, the onion is optional and can be omitted to further reduce natural sugars.
How do I prevent the bowl from becoming watery?
Cook vegetables thoroughly to release moisture before baking.
Can I cook this in one large dish instead of individual bowls?
Yes, use a medium baking dish and increase baking time by 3–5 minutes.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Broccoli florets, eggplant, or cauliflower all work well in this recipe.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be keto-friendly if you use very low-carb marinara and monitor cheese portions.
Can I serve this to non-diabetic guests?
Absolutely. The flavors are familiar and satisfying, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
This diabetic-friendly crustless pizza bowl proves that comfort food can be both nutritious and flavorful. With balanced ingredients, simple preparation, and endless customization options, it’s a reliable go-to meal for busy days when you want something wholesome without sacrificing taste.
This diabetic-friendly crustless pizza bowl is a low-carb, high-protein meal loaded with classic pizza flavors. It’s made with lean ground meat, fiber-rich vegetables, and melty cheese—all baked together for a satisfying, blood-sugar-conscious dish.
