Introduction:

Pizza is a beloved dish for many, but when you’re following a ketogenic diet, traditional pizza with its high-carb crust is off the table. However, you don’t need to give up on the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza. Enter the Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl – a low-carb, high-fat, and protein-packed alternative that’s both satisfying and delicious. This recipe provides all the familiar flavors of pizza without the extra carbs from the dough, making it perfect for anyone on a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick weeknight dinner, this crustless pizza bowl is the ideal solution.

This dish is rich in protein from the chicken or turkey, flavorful marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and Italian seasoning, giving you all the taste of pizza in a bowl. It’s versatile, customizable, and easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a busy dinner.

Ingredients:

  • For the Base:
    • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or turkey, pork, or beef, based on preference)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
    • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb, to keep it keto-friendly)
    • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or Italian sausage (optional, for added flavor)
  • For the Cheese Topping:
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • For the Garnish:
    • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
    • Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Next, add the ground chicken (or turkey, pork, or beef) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, which should take around 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Meat Mixture

Once the meat is cooked, add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices into the meat, ensuring even distribution of flavor. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aromas.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the marinara sauce to the cooked meat mixture. Stir everything together until the meat is coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the flavors meld together. If you’re adding pepperoni slices or Italian sausage for extra flavor, this is the time to include them. Simply stir them into the sauce and meat mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Crustless Pizza Bowl

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe bowl with olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour the prepared meat and sauce mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the base.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the meat mixture is spread evenly in the baking dish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Follow with the grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and form a cheesy, gooey topping that is reminiscent of a pizza crust.

Step 6: Bake the Crustless Pizza Bowl

Place the assembled pizza bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown on top. If you prefer a crispier top, you can place the bowl under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the crustless pizza bowl is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, and a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your keto-friendly, crustless pizza bowl!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 1 bowl)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

SmartPoints Calculation (WW):

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 7 SmartPoints per serving (calculated with lean ground chicken and low-fat mozzarella cheese)
  • PersonalPoints (WW): Based on your individual WW plan, but it typically averages around 7 points per serving. You can adjust this by using lower-fat cheese or substituting ingredients based on your needs.

Tips for Success:

  1. Use a Lean Protein: Ground chicken or turkey works best for this dish, as it’s lower in fat compared to beef or pork. However, if you prefer a more indulgent option, ground beef or sausage will work as well.
  2. Choose Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Most store-bought marinara sauces are packed with added sugars. Make sure to select a sugar-free or low-carb variety to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
  3. Customize with Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced mushrooms, black olives, or diced bell peppers to enhance the flavor of your pizza bowl. Just be mindful of the additional carbs if you’re following a strict keto diet.
  4. Reheat for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  5. Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and opt for a non-dairy Parmesan if desired.
  6. Freezer-Friendly Option: This crustless pizza bowl can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto Diets:

The Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl is an excellent low-carb, high-fat meal that fits perfectly within a ketogenic diet. With only 5g of net carbs per serving, it keeps your carb intake low while providing the healthy fats and protein necessary to keep you in ketosis. Additionally, the dish is rich in flavor and satisfaction, thanks to the combination of savory meat, tangy marinara sauce, and rich, melty cheese.

For those following a ketogenic diet, pizza is often one of the hardest foods to give up, but this recipe allows you to enjoy all the familiar flavors of pizza while staying within your macronutrient goals.

Health Benefits:

  • High in Protein: Ground chicken or turkey provides a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety.
  • Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With just 5g of net carbs per serving, this recipe fits seamlessly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
  • Rich in Healthy Fats: The olive oil, cheese, and any optional fatty meats contribute healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized.
  • Gluten-Free: This recipe contains no gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and melty cheese ensures that you won’t miss the crust.

Low SmartPoints and Weight Loss-Friendly:

The Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl is perfect for those on the Weight Watchers program, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal at just 7 SmartPoints per serving. You can adjust the recipe to suit your individual SmartPoints goals by modifying the ingredients. For example, using a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese can lower the points slightly. Since it’s so filling and packed with protein, this dish is great for helping to curb hunger without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion:

The Keto Crustless Pizza Bowl is a game-changer for anyone who misses the classic taste of pizza while following a low-carb, ketogenic, or gluten-free diet. This recipe delivers the delicious flavors of pizza without the carbs, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, craving comfort food, or looking for a low-smartpoint dinner, this crustless pizza bowl will quickly become a staple in your rotation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, nutritious, and keto-friendly pizza experience any time.