This low carb crustless pizza bowl delivers all the bold, cheesy, savory flavors of pizza without the crust. It’s baked to perfection in one pan, making it a satisfying and comforting meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare and doesn’t require any dough or complicated steps. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, customizable with your favorite toppings, and packed with rich pizza flavor. Cleanup is minimal, and the result is a warm, cheesy dish that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
500 g ground beef or ground turkey
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce / 425 g) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup sliced beef pepperoni
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Pour in the tomato sauce and mix until everything is well combined. Add the sliced beef pepperoni and stir gently.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with optional toppings before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Total time is around 40 minutes.
Variations
You can swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra depth of flavor. Add cooked chicken instead of ground meat for a lighter option. For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. You can also turn this into individual portions by baking the mixture in small oven-safe bowls.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Add the cheese and bake just before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The cooked meat and sauce freeze well, but it’s best to add fresh cheese when reheating and baking.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
You can replace mushrooms with zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for a different texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative, keeping in mind that melting results may vary.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or spicy pepper slices.
Can I cook this without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
What type of tomato sauce works best?
A plain, unsweetened tomato sauce works best to keep the dish low in carbs.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Extra bell peppers, onions, or spinach work very well in this recipe.
How do I prevent excess liquid?
Be sure to cook vegetables thoroughly to release moisture before adding the sauce.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its flavor, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Conclusion
This low carb crustless pizza bowl is a comforting, flavorful meal that proves you don’t need a crust to enjoy classic pizza taste. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
This low carb crustless pizza bowl delivers all the bold, cheesy flavors of traditional pizza—without the crust. Baked in one pan and packed with meat, veggies, and gooey cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
500 g ground beef or ground turkey
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (425 g) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup sliced beef pepperoni
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Optional: 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes until soft.
Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook 3–5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and soften.
Add ground meat and cook for 7–10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add pepperoni and stir gently.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest a few minutes. Garnish with optional toppings before serving.
Notes
Swap ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Use a cheese blend for extra flavor depth.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
To avoid extra liquid, fully cook vegetables before adding sauce.
Bake in individual ramekins for single-serve portions.
