What started as a last-minute dinner idea — one of those “we’re too tired to cook, but too hungry to skip dinner” nights — somehow turned into my husband’s favorite comfort meal.
These days, every Thursday evening, between the post-work chaos and the quiet that follows, I make our go-to dish: Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls.
They’ve got everything that makes pizza irresistible — the melted cheese, the herby tomato sauce, the savory sausage — just without the heavy crust or the carb guilt. It’s all the best parts of pizza, reinvented, and even the die-hard pizza fans in our family love it.
How It Started
The recipe was born out of necessity one night when we were trying to eat healthier. My husband had just started a low-carb diet, and I was determined to prove that “healthy” didn’t have to mean “bland.”
A quick scan of the fridge gave me half a pound of Italian sausage, some slightly wilted bell peppers, a cup of mushrooms, a jar of sugar-free marinara, and plenty of mozzarella cheese — my kind of jackpot.
I browned the sausage until crispy and fragrant, added the veggies with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and let everything sizzle together until the kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian bistro. Then I stirred in the marinara, layered the mixture into bowls, covered it with mozzarella, added a few olives, and baked it until golden and bubbly.
Just as I pulled them from the oven, my husband walked in — loosened tie, tired eyes, and that smile I love.
“Smells like pizza night,” he said.
“Sort of,” I told him, setting down the bowl.
He took one bite, looked up, and said, “Please make this again. Forever.”
And from that night on, it became our little Thursday ritual.
Why It Works
The secret is simple — it gives you everything you crave about pizza without the heaviness. No crust, no fuss, just layers of flavor in every bite.
It’s quick, too — ready in about half an hour, perfect for weeknights when everyone’s hungry and patience is running low.
Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. You can toss in spinach, swap sausage for chicken, add pepperoni, or drizzle olive oil on top. It’s one of those forgiving recipes that always turns out right — no measuring, no stress.
Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowls
Ingredients:
-
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
-
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
-
1 cup sliced mushrooms
-
1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella
-
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned and crispy, then drain excess fat.
-
Add veggies and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
-
Stir in marinara and seasonings; simmer briefly to blend flavors.
-
Assemble in four oven-safe bowls, dividing the mixture evenly.
-
Top with cheese and olives, then bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
-
Finish with basil and serve warm — preferably with a glass of wine and zero guilt.