If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, you will absolutely love this Pizza Bowl recipe! It’s essentially a crustless pizza packed with all your favorite pizza toppings, baked into a cheesy, low-carb dinner. The best part? It’s only 10 grams net carbs per serving, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake while still craving that pizza goodness.
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious Pizza Bowl masterpiece:
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed (hot or sweet)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- A pinch each of garlic powder and crushed red pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese, preferably Italian or Pizza blend
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 slices turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni
Timing
This Pizza Bowl recipe is a true time-saver in the kitchen. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
For those juggling a busy schedule, this timeframe is about 20% less than the average homemade pizza recipe, allowing you to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
How to Make It
- Cook the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, coat 4 individual-sized (2 cup) oven-proof baking dishes with cooking spray. Then, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the turkey sausage and add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage until it’s browned and the vegetables are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Pizza Bowls
Divide half of the marinara sauce among the four baking dishes, spreading it out evenly. Top with the sausage mixture, dividing it evenly among the dishes. Then, top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture, and then arrange the turkey pepperoni slices on top. Finish by topping the bowls with the remaining cheese. - Bake the Pizza Bowls
Place the bowls in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling hot and the entire dish is heated through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of your bowls. Once done, let the pizza bowls stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional value of this dish? Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g net carbs
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to make your Pizza Bowl even healthier? Here are some modifications you can try:
- Low-Carb Version: Swap out the rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini to keep it low-carb.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, use cashew cheese or nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese.
- More Veggies: Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Take your Pizza Bowl experience to the next level with these creative serving ideas:
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with jalapeños, diced onions, or fresh herbs so everyone can customize their own bowl.
- Accompanying Sides: Pair your pizza bowls with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish Variations: Beyond fresh basil, try drizzling some balsamic glaze or sprinkling red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes while making your pizza bowls:
- Overcooking the Veggies: Keep an eye on the sauté time. Overcooked vegetables can lose flavor and texture. Aim for a tender-crisp result.
- Too Much Sauce: Start with half the sauce and taste before adding more. You want a balanced flavor, not a soggy bowl.
- Skipping the Cheese: Don’t skip the cheese layer! It’s what gives that beloved ooey-gooey pizza texture to the dish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your pizza bowls properly:
- Refrigeration: Let the bowls cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze them! Portion your pizza bowls into freezer-safe containers, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
This Pizza Bowl Recipe is the perfect solution for anyone craving pizza without the carbs! It’s simple to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a quick, healthy meal, this recipe has you covered. Try it today, and share your pizza bowl adventures with us in the comments!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the turkey sausage with plant-based proteins like lentils or vegan meat alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure that your marinara sauce and any toppings are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time—chop your veggies, cook the sausage, and prepare the rice. This will make cooking day quicker and easier!
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces, like marinara, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a new flavor twist.
Pizza Bowl Recipe: Easy and Delicious Meal in One Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, you will absolutely love this Pizza Bowl recipe! It’s essentially a crustless pizza packed with all your favorite pizza toppings, baked into a cheesy, low-carb dinner. The best part? It’s only 10 grams net carbs per serving
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious Pizza Bowl masterpiece:
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed (hot or sweet)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- A pinch each of garlic powder and crushed red pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese, preferably Italian or Pizza blend
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 slices turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, coat 4 individual-sized (2 cup) oven-proof baking dishes with cooking spray. Then, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the turkey sausage and add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage until it’s browned and the vegetables are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Pizza Bowls
Divide half of the marinara sauce among the four baking dishes, spreading it out evenly. Top with the sausage mixture, dividing it evenly among the dishes. Then, top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture, and then arrange the turkey pepperoni slices on top. Finish by topping the bowls with the remaining cheese. - Bake the Pizza Bowls
Place the bowls in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling hot and the entire dish is heated through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of your bowls. Once done, let the pizza bowls stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To Reheat
Reheat in the oven set to 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the bowls are steaming hot and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the center of each bowl. For best results, cover with foil while reheating, but ensure the foil does not touch the cheese to prevent it from sticking.
To Make Ahead
You can prepare the dish up to step 3, up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions, but allow extra time to account for the dish being cold. It may take up to 25 minutes to heat through, depending on the depth of the bowls used. Deeper and narrower bowls will take longer than wide ones.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g net carbs
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g