Low Carb Pizza Bowls

Let’s talk about pizza—because honestly, who doesn’t crave that melty, cheesy, savory goodness from time to time? But if you’re watching carbs or following a keto lifestyle, the crust can be a bit of a deal-breaker. That’s where these Low Carb Pizza Bowls come to the rescue. They’re everything you love about pizza—zesty sauce, browned sausage, gooey cheese, and all the toppings—just minus the dough. And believe me, you won’t even miss it.

These bowls have quickly become a go-to in our house when we want something cozy, easy, and a little indulgent without falling off the low-carb wagon. They’re so satisfying, you’ll forget you’re eating healthy. I whipped them up for dinner on a whim one night when we had leftover ground beef and a jar of marinara sitting in the fridge—and now they’re on regular rotation. Plus, the kids love customizing their own bowls, which makes dinner prep feel more like a fun little pizza party and less like a chore.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s done in under 30 minutes or something you can meal prep and reheat later, these pizza bowls check all the boxes. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these crustless pizza bowls to life:

• 1 cup low sugar marinara or pizza sauce

• 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup chopped bell peppers

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ¼ cup diced red onion

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

This recipe is a perfect “clean out the fridge” type of meal too, so don’t hesitate to mix and match whatever toppings you already have on hand.

STEP 1: Prepare the Ingredients

First things first, we need to get that meat cooked. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your Italian sausage or ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper if it needs a little extra flavor.

If you’re using precooked sausage or a meat substitute, you can skip this part entirely. But for the best flavor, I recommend browning your protein fresh.

STEP 2: Assemble the Bowls

Grab your oven-safe ramekins or small bowls—anything that can safely go in the oven will work. Start by spooning a little marinara sauce into the bottom of each bowl (just enough to coat it). Then add a scoop of the cooked meat over the sauce.

Next up: veggies and seasoning. Toss in a mix of chopped bell peppers, diced red onion, and sliced olives. Sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning over the top to amp up that herby, pizza-shop aroma.

STEP 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Here comes the fun part: the cheese and the rest of the goodies. Pile on that shredded mozzarella until the whole bowl is covered. Then add your sliced pepperoni and any other toppings you love.

Personally, I like adding a little extra cheese on top of everything so it gets that bubbly, golden finish after baking.

Welcome back to our crust-free pizza adventure! If you’ve already prepped your ingredients and layered up your ramekins with sauce, meat, veggies, and cheese—congrats, you’re more than halfway there. Now it’s time to bake these cheesy bowls of goodness until they’re bubbling, golden, and ready to devour.

One of the best things about these low carb pizza bowls (besides how fast they come together) is how customizable they are. You can make them as classic or creative as you want. Feeling traditional? Stick with pepperoni and cheese. Want to mix things up? Try roasted garlic, jalapeños, spinach, or even some spicy sausage. This recipe doesn’t just allow for flexibility—it welcomes it.

Now let’s get these bowls into the oven and talk tips for making them even better.

STEP 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set your filled bowls on a baking sheet. This helps keep things tidy in case there’s any bubbling over (and makes them easier to move in and out of the oven).

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated through. Want that glorious, golden top that makes everything taste just a little better? Turn on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Just keep an eye on it—broilers can go from perfect to burnt real quick.

Once they’re melty and gorgeous, carefully remove the bowls from the oven. They’ll be hot, so give them a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.

STEP 5: Serve and Garnish

Top your hot pizza bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley—not just for the look, but for that fresh, herby hit that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat. If you like a little kick, a dash of red pepper flakes won’t hurt either.

And there you have it: personal-sized pizza bowls that are hearty, satisfying, and low on carbs. Perfect for when you want pizza flavor without the carb crash afterward.

Tips & Variations to Keep It Fun

I’ve made these pizza bowls so many different ways, and every version has been a hit. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you make them your own:

• Switch up the protein: Instead of Italian sausage or ground beef, try cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon crumbles. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in a pinch.

• Go veggie-heavy: Load up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant if you want something lighter.

• Add creaminess: Mix a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese into the meat layer before baking for a creamier texture and extra richness.

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy Italian sausage for some heat.

• Try different cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to add a little provolone, Parmesan, or even feta for a flavor twist.

These also reheat surprisingly well, making them awesome for meal prep. Just assemble the bowls in advance, store them in the fridge (unbaked), and pop one in the oven whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Low Carb Pizza Bowls That Bring All the Flavor Without the Crust (Part 3)

We’ve walked through how to prep, layer, and bake these easy low carb pizza bowls—and now it’s time to wrap things up with answers to some common questions and a little encouragement to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re new to keto recipes or just looking for a fun weeknight dinner idea, these bowls are a total win.

Let’s jump into the most frequently asked questions I’ve gotten about this recipe. If you’re wondering whether you can swap something out or tweak it to fit your taste, chances are you’ll find the answer right here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pizza bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely. These are great for meal prep. Just assemble the bowls (everything except baking), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

2. What’s the best kind of bowl to use?
You’ll want to use oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes—ceramic or glass both work well. Just make sure they’re rated for oven use. Placing them on a baking sheet makes it easier (and safer) to move them in and out of the oven.

3. Can I freeze these pizza bowls?
Freezing them is possible, but keep in mind that the texture of some veggies might change once thawed. If you want to freeze them, assemble without fresh vegetables or use frozen, pre-cooked toppings. Wrap tightly and store for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

4. What low carb marinara sauce do you recommend?
Look for marinara or pizza sauce with no added sugar and less than 5 grams of net carbs per serving. Some popular brands include Rao’s Homemade, Yo Mama’s, and Thrive Market. Or, if you’re up for it, you can make your own!

5. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free shredded cheese (there are some great meltable options now), and skip any creamy additions like ricotta. Just double-check that your sauce is also dairy-free.

6. Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely. Letting kids build their own bowls makes dinner feel fun—and they get to pick the toppings they like. It’s also a sneaky way to get in more veggies.

7. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is super easy to scale up. Just prep a bigger batch of ingredients and set up an assembly line. Great for feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week.

Final Thoughts and a Friendly Nudge to Try It

If you’ve been missing pizza on your low carb or keto journey, these pizza bowls are going to feel like a game-changer. They hit all the right notes—cheesy, meaty, saucy, and packed with flavor—without the heaviness of a crust.