If you’re craving that classic pizza flavor without the carb overload, then these Low Carb Pizza Bowls are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Think of all the rich, hearty goodness of a pizza—melty mozzarella, savory seasoned meat, and vibrant veggies—layered surprise-style in a bowl that’s simple, satisfying, and guilt-free. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or anytime you want pizza vibes without the crust. Trust me, Low Carb Pizza Bowls bring all the joy and none of the carb crash.

Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, lending a perfect balance of protein, freshness, and that unmistakable pizza flavor. Each element plays its part: the ground meat for heartiness, the veggies for crunch and color, and of course, the gooey cheese that ties everything together.

1 lb ground turkey or beef: Choose your favorite for a protein-packed base with plenty of flavor.

1 medium zucchini, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and keeps things fresh and light.
1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Provides sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.

1 cup fresh spinach: A leafy green boost packed with nutrients and a mild flavor.
1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb): The rich tomato base that gives you all those traditional pizza spices without the sugar spike.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that luscious, bubbly topping.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses a warm, herby aroma reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of garlicky goodness to elevate every bite.

Salt, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
Pepper, to taste: Brings just the right amount of heat and depth.
Fresh basil leaves (optional): Perfect for garnish to finish with a fragrant flourish.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Bowls

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready to work its magic as soon as your ingredients are assembled. This step ensures even baking and that delicious melt on top.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a hot skillet, brown the ground turkey or beef over medium heat. Break it up nicely with your spatula or spoon, so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle the meat with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder for that signature pizza flavor. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish nice and clean.

Step 3: Mix the Veggies and Meat

Grab a large bowl and combine your browned meat with the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and fresh spinach. These fresh veggies add contrast and nutrition, making each bite as colorful as it is tasty.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the low-carb marinara sauce over the meat and veggie mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in that savory, herby tomato goodness.

Step 5: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Transfer the vibrant mixture into your baking dish and spread evenly for a uniform bake—this helps the flavors meld beautifully while baking.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the top. This cheese not only adds creaminess but browns beautifully for that irresistible crust-like topping.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. The steam trapped inside helps all the ingredients cook together without drying out.

Step 8: Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes to let the cheese bubble and turn golden. That final browning elevates this dish from tasty to downright crave-worthy.

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest a few minutes—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Add fresh basil leaves on top if you like a fragrant, fresh touch.

How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Bowls

Garnishes

Aside from fresh basil, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or even drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil to add richness. A few freshly grated Parmesan shavings can also make these bowls feel extra special.

Side Dishes

For a fully rounded meal, serve your Low Carb Pizza Bowls with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted garlic Brussels sprouts. Both add different textures and flavors without piling on carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or mix things up? Try baking the mixture individually in small ramekins for personalized bowls, or serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice for an even lower carb experience. Another fun idea is topping with some sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Carb Pizza Bowls store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool before sealing to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese re-melts, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave for a quicker option, but watch out for rubbery cheese—oven is definitely preferred for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based crumbled meat substitute work wonderfully if you want to mix it up or cater to different dietary needs.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! Low Carb Pizza Bowls are fantastic for meal prepping since they keep well and taste just as good reheated, making busy weeknights much easier.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, olives, or even thinly sliced eggplant can be great additions, just keep the veggies low in carbs to maintain that keto-friendly edge.

What if I don’t have low-carb marinara sauce?

You can substitute with regular marinara but be mindful of added sugars. Alternatively, making your own quick marinara with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs is an easy way to control carbs.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Just swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or omit cheese and add more herbs to keep the flavors bright and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about enjoying the flavors of pizza without the carb guilt, and these Low Carb Pizza Bowls hit all the right notes. They’re easy to make, full of vibrant colors and comforting textures, and endlessly adaptable to suit your taste. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that balances indulgence with wholesome nutrition.

Low Carb Pizza Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Noah

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy Low Carb Pizza Bowls featuring seasoned ground turkey or beef mixed with fresh vegetables and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. A perfect keto-friendly, gluten-free meal that satisfies pizza cravings without the carbs.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pizza bowls.
Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep it lean.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat with the diced zucchini, diced red bell pepper, and fresh spinach thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Add marinara sauce: Pour in the low-carb marinara sauce and stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base of your pizza bowls.
Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture for a cheesy crust.

Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook through and melt the cheese.
Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Notes

Use ground turkey for a leaner option or ground beef for richer flavor.
Choose low-carb marinara sauce to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
You can substitute mozzarella with any other melting cheese if preferred.

Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or olives for variation.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 320

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g

Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: low carb, pizza bowls, keto recipe, ground turkey, ground beef, low carb dinner