Description
Hearty low carb pizza bowls bring Italian comfort to your dinner table without heavy carbohydrates. Packed with zesty marinara, melted cheese, and classic pizza toppings, this dish delivers maximum flavor for health-conscious gourmets who crave pizza’s essence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- ½ cup (75 g) sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (or a mix)
Vegetables and Toppings:
- ½ cup (75 g) diced bell peppers
- ½ cup (50 g) sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup (40 g) sliced black olives (optional)
Cheese and Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) marinara or pizza sauce (low-sugar or keto-friendly)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the cooking chamber to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for transforming ingredients into a delectable low carb meal. Lightly coat baking vessels with olive oil to ensure effortless serving and prevent adhering.
- Navigate a skillet over medium thermal levels, transforming ground poultry into golden, fragmented morsels. Infuse the protein with a harmonious blend of seasoning elements – salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb medley – developing robust flavor profiles.
- Transfer the seasoned protein from the skillet, establishing a marinara foundation within each culinary vessel. Layer the cooked protein atop the sauce, then artfully distribute bell pepper fragments, sliced onion rings, and olive medallions across the landscape.
- Crown the composition with a generous cascade of shredded mozzarella, allowing the dairy element to promise creamy richness and visual appeal. Optional: Amplify the cheese quotient for those craving intense dairy indulgence.
- Slide the curated pizza bowls into the preheated cooking chamber, allowing 10-12 minutes of transformative heat. Monitor the cheese’s metamorphosis – seeking a molten, effervescent texture and perfectly cooked vegetable components.
- Extract the bubbling creations, permitting a brief cooling interlude. Optionally punctuate the dish with red pepper flakes, introducing a spirited, zingy counterpoint to the rich ensemble.
Notes
- Select high-quality ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein base with maximum flavor.
- Choose fresh bell peppers and onions to enhance the pizza bowl’s crunch and nutritional value.
- Customize toppings based on dietary preferences like vegetarian versions using plant-based protein crumbles or additional vegetables.
- Control portion sizes by using smaller ramekins or individual serving dishes for precise carbohydrate tracking.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like part-skim mozzarella or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for depth without significant carb increase.
- Prep ingredients in advance for quick weeknight meal assembly, storing chopped vegetables and cooked protein separately in refrigerator containers.
- Enhance meal’s nutritional profile by incorporating additional low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini directly into the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg