Every Wednesday evening, like clockwork, my neighbor Linda and I hold what we fondly call our “Midweek Meal Swap.” It started during the early months of retirement when we both admitted we missed the shared chatter of the teachers’ lounge and needed a reason to step away from TV dinners. We cook something healthy, hearty, and always low-carb—then pass it across the fence.
Last month, I decided to recreate a pizza experience without the carb-heavy crusts that often made us feel sluggish. My grandson, who visits every other weekend, had raved about a crustless pizza bowl he saw on social media, so I gave it a go—but made it my own. Using ground turkey instead of pepperoni, and loading it up with fresh veggies, I watched it bubble and brown in the oven while the aroma practically invited the entire block over.
That first bite? It had all the comforting flavor of pizza night, without the guilt. The marinara gave a sweet tang, the cheese melted into those little golden craters, and the sautéed mushrooms added that earthy richness I can never resist.
Now it’s a staple—not just for Wednesdays with Linda, but for quiet dinners when I want something warm, filling, and nourishing. It’s a reminder that wholesome doesn’t have to mean boring—and pizza doesn’t always need dough.
Short Description
This Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl captures the rich flavors of classic pizza—melty mozzarella, savory meat, tangy marinara, and colorful veggies—without the crust. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for anyone cutting carbs but craving comfort food.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven-safe baking dish (9×9 or similar)
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you a head start so the cheese melts beautifully when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey or Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it browns. Cook until no pink remains—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Vegetables
Add the marinara sauce, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the veggies begin to soften.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and spread it evenly. It should form a thick, stew-like base.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Make sure it covers the surface edge to edge so every bite is cheesy.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The cheese should melt fully and develop golden, bubbly edges. If you want it extra crispy on top, broil it for the last 2 minutes—just keep a close eye!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for color and brightness. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and doesn’t burn your tongue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– All the flavor of pizza, without the carbs
– Quick to prepare—under 40 minutes start to finish
– One-pan dish = minimal cleanup
– Loaded with veggies and protein
– Kid-approved and meal-prep friendly
– Naturally gluten-free
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overcooking the meat
Dry turkey or chicken can make the bowl less juicy.
Solution: Cook just until no longer pink, then simmer with sauce to keep it moist.
Mistake 2: Using watery vegetables
Mushrooms and peppers can release moisture and water down your dish.
Solution: Sauté them separately to release excess water, or simmer longer in the sauce to reduce moisture.
Mistake 3: Skipping the broil at the end
Your cheese may melt but not brown.
Solution: Broil for 1–2 minutes to get that crave-worthy pizza finish.
Mistake 4: Using too much sauce
This makes it soupy rather than bowl-like.
Solution: Stick to 1 cup of marinara or use a thick sauce.
Mistake 5: Not seasoning properly
A bland bowl ruins the pizza illusion.
Solution: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve it hot in a bowl with a side salad of arugula and lemon vinaigrette
Great for casual weeknight dinners or weekend brunch
Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or even a light red wine
For family-style dinners, bake in a larger dish and let everyone scoop their portion
Top with red pepper flakes, olives, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flair
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Reheating (Oven): Place in a small baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use beef instead of turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground beef adds richness and works well—just drain the fat thoroughly.
2. What type of marinara sauce should I use?
Go for a low-sugar, thick marinara. Homemade is great, but Rao’s or another high-quality jarred brand works too.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese that melts well, like cashew-based alternatives.
4. Is this keto-friendly?
It’s low in carbs and can be keto if your marinara sauce is sugar-free.
5. Can I add more toppings?
Of course! Try chopped olives, jalapeños, pepperoni slices, or spinach for extra flair.
Tips & Tricks
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
Use pre-chopped veggies to save time on prep.
Let the dish rest before serving—this helps the cheese set and flavors deepen.
If meal-prepping, divide into mason jars or lunch containers for grab-and-go meals.
Try a sprinkle of garlic powder or oregano on top of the cheese layer before baking.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Sausage Pizza Bowl
Swap turkey for Italian sausage
Add red pepper flakes and a pinch of fennel seeds
Use extra mushrooms and black olives
Bake and garnish with shaved parmesan
2. Mediterranean-Inspired Pizza Bowl
Use ground chicken
Add chopped kalamata olives, spinach, and feta
Swap marinara for tomato-basil sauce
Top with mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil after baking
3. Veggie-Only Pizza Bowl
Omit meat and bulk up with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and more mushrooms
Use extra cheese or a plant-based protein like tofu crumbles
Add pesto for a twist instead of marinara
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this dish for potlucks, lazy nights, and even for my curious vegetarian niece (with her own spin, of course). The beauty lies in its simplicity—you layer the flavors, bake, and end up with something bubbling, savory, and deeply satisfying.
This recipe reflects what I love most about home cooking: flexibility, nourishment, and the joy of sharing. Whether it’s ladled into bowls with extra basil or packed for lunch the next day, it never lasts long in my kitchen. And every time I smell that herby tomato scent rising from the oven, I remember why I traded grading papers for grated cheese and cast iron.
Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Brown the ground turkey or chicken in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 6–8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Mix in Sauce and Veggies
Stir in marinara, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Transfer to Dish
Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, covering it from edge to edge.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you like a crisp top—watch closely!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped basil. Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before digging in.
