Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl

Servings: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on ingredients used)

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Tip:

This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the carbs. By skipping the traditional pizza crust and replacing it with a rich combination of ground meat, cheese, and vegetables, you get all the delicious pizza flavors in a much healthier form. It's not only a great option for keto or low-carb diets, but it also makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. The best part? You can customize the toppings to suit your taste!

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Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ½ cup sugar-free marinara sauce (look for one without added sugars or make your own)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess)

• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ¼ cup diced bell peppers (use any color you like)

• ¼ cup pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni for a leaner option)

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory depth of flavor)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. The olive oil adds a nice richness and helps prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.

2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both, if you like) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it's cooked through and browned evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. While cooking, season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the seasonings in thoroughly, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat. Once fully cooked, set the meat aside.

2. Prepare the Pizza Bowl:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pizza bowl bakes perfectly and the cheese melts beautifully.

2. Grab a small to medium-sized oven-safe bowl or a baking dish. If you want individual servings, consider using smaller bowls.

3. Spread ½ cup of sugar-free marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish. Choose a good-quality marinara sauce that’s free of added sugars, or use your favorite homemade sauce if you prefer. The sauce is the base of this pizza bowl, giving it that authentic pizza flavor without the carbs.

4. Layer the cooked meat mixture evenly over the sauce. This will be your protein base and gives the pizza bowl its savory filling.

3. Add the Vegetables and Toppings:

1. Add the sliced mushrooms, black olives, and diced bell peppers to the dish. These vegetables add texture and a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and meat.

2. Layer pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni over the vegetables. The pepperoni gives the dish that classic pizza flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey pepperoni is a great substitute that still provides the savory taste of pepperoni without the extra fat.

4. Top with Cheese:

1. Now comes the cheesy part! Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the meat and vegetable layers. You want enough cheese to cover the whole bowl so it melts into a gooey, golden layer.

2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for added flavor. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty taste that enhances the cheesy richness.

5. Bake the Pizza Bowl:

1. Place the prepared pizza bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with the edges turning golden brown.

2. Keep an eye on the pizza bowl as it bakes. If you like a slightly crispier cheese top, leave it in for an additional minute or two.

6. Garnish and Serve:

1. Once the pizza bowl is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before serving.

2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. The herbs add a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and meat.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy your low-carb, crustless pizza bowl!

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Tips for Saving Energy:

• Use a convection oven if available, as it helps heat the food more evenly and reduces cooking time, saving you energy.

• Consider prepping the ingredients ahead of time so that you can just assemble and bake the pizza bowl quickly when you're ready to eat.

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Who Should Enjoy This Pizza Bowl?:

• This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. It’s also great for those who want a healthier pizza option without the carbs from traditional pizza crust.

• It’s perfect for anyone who loves pizza but wants to enjoy a low-carb version with extra protein and veggies.

Who Should Avoid It?:

• If you have a sensitivity to any of the toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers, feel free to omit or substitute them with other vegetables you prefer.

• If you're avoiding processed meats, you can skip the pepperoni and use extra lean meats like ground turkey or chicken sausage.

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Enjoy this satisfying, Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl—a cheesy, flavorful dish that gives you all the pizza enjoyment without the carbs. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a great option to share with family and friends who are looking for a healthier pizza alternative!