Pizza bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza while keeping your meal low in carbohydrates. This recipe for Low Carb Pizza Bowls combines savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection in individual bowls. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun, low-carb twist on a pizza night, these bowls are both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Bowls:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb or sugar-free)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers or other veggies of your choice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season and Combine:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Assemble the Pizza Bowls:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bowls:
- Lightly grease 4-6 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes with non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the prepared bowls. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add Toppings:
- Add your choice of toppings (black olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, bell peppers) on top of the cheese layer.
3. Bake the Pizza Bowls:
- Bake:
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Broil (Optional):
- For an extra golden top, you can place the bowls under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the pizza bowls to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the pizza bowls warm and enjoy the comforting, low-carb pizza experience!
Tips for Success:
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can use other low-carb vegetables or meats.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ground chicken, pork, or a combination of meats.
- Make Ahead: These pizza bowls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pizza bowls before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Low Carb Pizza Bowls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors while sticking to your low-carb goals. With their satisfying combination of savory meat, rich sauce, and melted cheese, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite of this guilt-free pizza treat!