Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (Optional; for cooking)
• 1 green bell pepper (Small; sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (Small; sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (Small; sliced)
• 0.5 onion (Small; thinly sliced; optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 0.5 cup no-sugar-added pizza sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
• salt (To taste)
• black pepper (To taste)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Divide evenly over the bowls)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (Optional; divide evenly over the bowls)
• fresh parsley or basil (Chopped, for garnish)
• sliced mushrooms (Optional pizza topping)
• black olives (Optional pizza topping)
• pepperoni (Optional pizza topping)
• cooked Italian sausage (Optional pizza topping)
• cooked chicken (Optional pizza topping)
• jalapeños (Optional pizza topping)
• spinach (Optional pizza topping)
• fresh basil (Optional pizza topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set out four oven-safe baking dishes or ramekins.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil if using, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers and the sliced onion, if using. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

5. 5

   Add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables, then cook for 2–3 minutes until hot and well seasoned.

6. 6

   If using optional toppings such as mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, cooked sausage, chicken, jalapeños, or spinach, stir them into the mixture or reserve them for the topping.

7. 7

   Divide the hot beef-and-vegetable mixture evenly among the four oven-safe dishes or ramekins.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each portion. Add the grated Parmesan, if using.

9. 9

   Place the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and the centers are hot.

10. 10

    For a more golden top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese does not burn.

11. 11

    Carefully remove the bowls from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.

Notes

Use caution when serving because the ramekins will be very hot. Optional toppings can be added according to preference. Broiling is optional and requires close attention.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• low-carb
• crustless pizza
• baked
• high-protein
• gluten-free
• family-friendly
• weeknight meal