Introduction: If you’re craving pizza but want to stay within your ketogenic dietary goals, the Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl is your ultimate solution. This delicious, low-carb alternative offers all the flavors of a traditional pizza—without the crust. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize based on your preferences, packed with protein, healthy fats, and rich, cheesy goodness. In this recipe, you’ll get detailed steps on how to make this mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl, along with nutritional information, SmartPoints, and other key details for a healthier lifestyle.

This recipe is ideal for individuals following the keto diet, low-carb dieters, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of their favorite comfort food. Whether you are preparing it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this crustless pizza bowl is a winning choice that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

For the Base:

  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Italian Sausage (or ground turkey for leaner option)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup Bell Peppers (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup Spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce (or tomato sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Oregano (dried)
  • 1/2 tsp Basil (dried)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup Pepperoni (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Black Olives (sliced)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your vegetables are chopped, the garlic minced, and the sausage ready to be cooked. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and excess water is drained.
  2. Cook the Ground Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. If you’re using lean ground turkey or chicken, cook until it’s no longer pink and thoroughly cooked.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and spinach, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Prepare the Pizza Sauce: While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, mix the sugar-free marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
  5. Assemble the Pizza Bowl: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a baking dish or oven-safe bowl and layer the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture at the bottom. Pour the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the mixture.
  6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Add any optional toppings like pepperoni or black olives at this stage for extra flavor.
  7. Bake: Place the bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. If you like a crispier cheese topping, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Once baked, remove the bowl from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Fat: 30g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6-8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4-6g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg

SmartPoints (WW Points):

  • Freestyle Points: 7
  • Blue Points: 7
  • Purple Points: 6

These points are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient choices. For a lower SmartPoints value, consider using reduced-fat cheese or leaner meats like ground turkey.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Meat Substitutes: If you prefer a different meat, feel free to swap ground sausage for ground beef, turkey, or chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.
  2. Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, to change up the flavor profile. Just ensure you’re using low-carb varieties for the keto diet.
  3. More Veggies: For additional fiber and nutrients, consider adding more low-carb vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower. These can be chopped and sautéed along with the mushrooms and peppers.
  4. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a topping can really elevate the flavor of your crustless pizza bowl.
  5. Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare several bowls in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Health Benefits:

  • Low-Carb: At just 4-6g of net carbs per serving, this crustless pizza bowl fits perfectly into a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. It’s an excellent option for anyone following these dietary approaches to manage blood sugar and support weight loss.
  • High in Protein: With about 30g of protein per serving, this recipe helps support muscle repair, growth, and overall metabolic health.
  • Healthy Fats: The sausage, cheese, and olive oil provide a good dose of healthy fats, which are essential for a keto diet to fuel the body and promote ketosis.
  • Packed with Veggies: Incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions increases the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, adding nutritional value to this dish.
  • Customizable: This pizza bowl is incredibly flexible, meaning you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Conclusion:

The Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl is a guilt-free alternative to traditional pizza, allowing you to indulge in all the flavors you love while staying true to your low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. It’s a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep.

Whether you’re following the keto diet or just looking for a healthier pizza option, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen. With rich layers of sausage, cheese, and vegetables, and a flavorful homemade pizza sauce, each bite is bursting with mouthwatering goodness.

Give this recipe a try and discover just how easy it is to create your own keto-friendly pizza experience—without the crust! Enjoy!