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Low carb crustless pizza bowl with melted cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil in a ceramic bowl.

Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

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Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage or Beef
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup Mushrooms sliced
  • 1/4 cup Yellow Onion diced
  • 1.5 cups Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 12-15 slices Pepperoni
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Kalamata olives 2 tbsp Feta cheese, fresh basil leaves

Method
 

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage (or beef) until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Sauté Veggies: Add the olive oil, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender.
  4. Simmer with Sauce: Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir to combine with the meat and vegetables. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the mixture evenly between two large oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
  6. Cheese Layer: Top each bowl generously with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
  7. Bake: Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted. Broil for the final 2 minutes for a bubbly, golden top. Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

Notes

Preparation Notes

  • Prep Tip: Block mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded bags, which contain anti-caking starches that impede melting.
  • Drain Fat: Ensure you drain the cooked meat before adding sauce to prevent a greasy bowl.
  • Veggies: Do not overcook vegetables in the skillet; they will continue to soften in the oven.

Cooking Notes

  • Oven Safety: Use ceramic or glass ramekins rated for high heat and broiler use.
  • Broiler Watch: Watch the broiler closely. Cheese burns within seconds under direct heat.

Substitutions

  • Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella with plant-based cheese shreds or nutritional yeast.
  • Leaner Profile: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken breast to lower total fat and calories.

Storage and Reheating

  • Fridge: Store airtight for up to 4 days.
  • Microwave: Reheat for 90 to 120 seconds.
  • Oven Reheat: Bake at 350 Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to restore melted cheese texture.