Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
This low-carb crustless pizza bowl is an easy way to enjoy all the familiar flavors of pizza without making a crust. Seasoned ground chicken forms the base, then it is topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and a few classic vegetables.
The whole dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a practical choice for a busy weeknight. You can also change the toppings to use whatever your family enjoys most.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken, lean
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sugar or sugar-free pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ¼ cup pepperoni, sliced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
Directions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch oven-safe pie dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Season the chicken: Add the ground chicken, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Form the base: Press the seasoned ground chicken evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish. Gently press some of the mixture slightly up the sides to create a shallow crust shape.
- Par-bake: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are lightly golden.
- Add the toppings: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cooked chicken. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the sauce, then add the pepperoni, black olives, green bell pepper, and red onion.
- Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the pizza bowl rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
- For a meat lovers version, use ground beef or Italian turkey sausage instead of ground chicken and add extra pepperoni or cooked bacon.
- For a vegetable version, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to the toppings.
- For extra cheesy flavor, combine the mozzarella with a little shredded provolone or Parmesan.
- If you prefer individual portions, divide the seasoned chicken mixture between four small oven-safe ramekins and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- If your vegetables release a lot of moisture, lightly sauté the bell peppers and onions for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza bowl.
- For a more browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes. Watch closely because the cheese can brown quickly.
What to Serve With a Crustless Pizza Bowl
- A simple green salad makes an easy side for this pizza bowl. You can also serve it with roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or sautéed vegetables.
- For a family dinner, let everyone choose their favorite toppings and serve the bowls with a simple side salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, place an individual portion in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. An air fryer also works well at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes.
The microwave is another quick option, although the chicken base may have a softer texture.
For longer storage, the cooked chicken base can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before adding the sauce and toppings and finishing it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This low-carb crustless pizza bowl keeps pizza night simple by swapping the traditional crust for a seasoned ground chicken base. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake until everything is hot and bubbly.
It is an easy recipe to customize, especially when everyone at the table likes different pizza toppings.