Cheesy Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe For Pizza Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions like these mouthwatering low carb pizza bowls that satisfy every pizza craving without the carb overload.

Packed with zesty flavors and gooey cheese, this recipe brings all the classic pizza elements into a convenient bowl format.

Each bite combines rich marinara, savory meats, and melted cheese in a protein-packed meal.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, making meal prep a breeze for busy home cooks.

No complicated techniques or expensive ingredients stand between you and this delectable dish.

Serious pizza lovers will appreciate how this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible low-carb masterpiece that promises to become a weekly favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Low Carb Pizza Bowls

For Base and Protein:
  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lean protein that forms the hearty foundation of the pizza bowl, offering a delicious alternative to traditional pizza crust.
  • Marinara Sauce: Vibrant, tangy sauce that adds classic pizza flavor and moisture to the dish.
For Vegetables and Toppings:
  • Bell Peppers: Crisp, colorful vegetables that bring a sweet crunch and nutritional boost to the pizza bowl.
  • Onions: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor and a subtle savory undertone.
  • Olives: Briny, rich toppings that add a Mediterranean-inspired twist and complex flavor profile.
For Seasonings and Cheese:
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates the overall taste of the dish.
  • Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and slight heat to complement the other ingredients.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated herb that delivers intense, rounded garlic flavor without added moisture.
  • Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that creates a gooey, indulgent topping with perfect stretchy texture.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish that brings a zesty kick for heat lovers.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle, rich undertone to the cooking process.

Bowl-Baking Tools for Low Carb Pizza

  • Skillet: Essential for browning ground turkey or chicken evenly.
  • Baking Dish or Individual Bowls: Needed to assemble and bake pizza bowls.
  • Olive Oil Spray or Brush: Helps prevent sticking and adds light coating.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block mozzarella instead of pre-shredded.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurately seasoning the meat.
  • Cutting Board: For chopping bell peppers, onions, and other toppings.
  • Sharp Knife: To chop vegetables precisely.

Assemble Your Pizza Bowls

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick olive oil massage to keep everything from sticking.

  • Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground turkey or chicken in a skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces. Season with a flavor explosion of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.

  • Build Your Pizza Bowl

Layer marinara sauce as your foundation, then pile on the cooked protein. Scatter bell peppers, onions, and olives across the top like delicious confetti.

  • Cheese Shower

Rain down a blizzard of mozzarella cheese, covering every delectable corner of your pizza bowl.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten landscape and toppings look irresistibly golden.

  • Serve and Devour

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool briefly, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Enjoy your low-carb pizza bowl feast!

Tweak It: Low Carb Style

  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these pizza bowls ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Protein Power Switch: Swap ground turkey or chicken with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that's just as delicious and satisfying.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that tantalize your taste buds.
  • Keto-Friendly Twist: For strict low-carb dieters, replace marinara sauce with a homemade low-carb tomato sauce or use diced fresh tomatoes to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich pizza flavors.
  • Veggie Boost: Add extra nutrition by incorporating spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into your pizza bowls, creating a more nutrient-dense meal without compromising on taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Bowls

  • Pizza Party Plating: Serve these low-carb pizza bowls on colorful dinner plates with a small side salad to add freshness and extra nutrients.
  • Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to boost flavor and add a vibrant green pop to the dish.
  • Dipping Delights: Set out small ramekins of extra marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for guests who love additional sauce with their pizza bowls.
  • Protein Power-Up: Consider offering additional protein options like crispy bacon bits or diced grilled chicken as topping extras for those wanting more substantial meal.

Pizza Bowl Storage Tips

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pizza bowls in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple pizza bowls in advance and store in individual containers. These make perfect grab-and-go lunches for busy workdays, staying deliciously tasty when reheated.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked pizza bowls securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-7 minutes to original cooking time to ensure complete heating.
  • Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated pizza bowls in the oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy cheese and maintain original texture. Microwave works in a pinch but might slightly soften the cheese's crispness.
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Cheesy Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe

Cheesy Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory low carb pizza bowls deliver classic Italian flavors without excess carbohydrates. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and favorite pizza toppings combine in a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (or a mix)
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) marinara or pizza sauce (low-sugar or keto-friendly)
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) diced bell peppers
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) sliced mushrooms
  • ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) sliced black olives (optional)
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease baking dishes with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Protein Development: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground poultry until golden and crumbly. Season thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to create a flavor-packed protein base.
  3. Layering Technique: Spread marinara sauce in each baking dish, then strategically layer the seasoned protein. Distribute bell peppers, onions, and olives evenly across the surface to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
  4. Cheese Topping: Generously blanket the pizza bowls with shredded mozzarella, creating a rich, melty covering that promises to bind all ingredients together with creamy decadence.
  5. Baking Process: Nestle the prepared pizza bowls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden landscape and vegetables to reach perfect tenderness.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling moment. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra burst of zesty excitement, elevating the entire culinary experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground turkey or chicken to maintain low-carb profile while reducing fat content. Drain excess fat thoroughly after cooking to enhance dish’s health benefits.
  • Prevent Watery Texture: Pat bell peppers and onions dry before adding to reduce moisture release during baking. This technique ensures crisp vegetable edges and prevents soggy pizza bowl foundation.
  • Customize Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella with dairy-free options like dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan versions. Use part-skim mozzarella to lower calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate taste complexity. Roast vegetables briefly before assembling to intensify their natural sweetness and develop richer flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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