If you’re craving pizza flavors without the carbs, my Keto Pizza Bowls will make your day. This dish packs everything you love about a classic pizzeria pie—melty cheese, zesty sauce, and hearty toppings—into a bubbly, crustless bowl. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want an easy, protein-packed dinner, each spoonful is packed with pure comfort. And the best part? You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items to create Keto Pizza Bowls—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every component brings a burst of flavor, color, or irresistible texture, making these bowls truly crave-worthy.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor and plenty of richness—look for mild or spicy, depending on your mood!
- Low-Sugar Marinara Sauce: Keeps carbs low but gives you all that classic tangy tomato taste.
- Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Bright and crisp, it brings color and a slight crunch.
- Chopped Red Onion: Adds sweetness and a little sharpness, balancing out the rich meats and cheeses.
- Sliced Black Olives: For a briny, salty pop that instantly makes things more pizza-like.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they soak up all those Italian flavors while baking.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The essential melt and stretch factor you want from any pizza creation.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps form that golden cheesy top.
- Italian Seasoning: A must for genuine pizzeria flavor—think dried basil, oregano, and a hint of rosemary.
- Garlic Powder: A punch of garlicky warmth ties all the pizza flavors together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little heat! Completely up to your spice preference.
- Fresh Basil for Garnish (Optional): Bright, aromatic, and utterly transformative as a finishing touch.
How to Make Keto Pizza Bowls
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by placing a skillet over medium heat, and add the ground Italian sausage. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it up into bite-sized crumbles. Cook until all the sausage is browned and cooked through—this should take about five to seven minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your pizza bowls will be perfectly rich, not oily.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
Grab four oven-safe ramekins or small bowls. Divide the cooked sausage evenly among them, spreading it out to create a hearty base. Now, spoon a generous layer of low-sugar marinara sauce over the sausage in each bowl—you’ll want the sauce to fill in the nooks and crannies for every bite.
Step 3: Add Pizza Toppings
On top of the saucy sausage, scatter your chopped green bell peppers, red onions, olives, and mushrooms. This is where you can get creative: if you love lots of veggies, pile them on! Each one adds its own flavor and color, making every bowl beautiful and delicious.
Step 4: Season and Top with Cheese
Now comes the magic touch. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over each bowl, and if you like things spicy, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes too. Then top each bowl with a generous helping of shredded mozzarella—don’t skimp!—and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The cheeses will melt together into a golden, bubbling blanket.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling, then slide them into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy pizzeria!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, add a few fresh basil leaves to each bowl right before serving. The herbs add vibrant color and a fresh, peppery aroma that takes your Keto Pizza Bowls to the next level.
How to Serve Keto Pizza Bowls
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish! Fresh basil is a classic, but chopped parsley or even a drizzle of good olive oil will make your Keto Pizza Bowls pop. For a bit of extra heat, scatter another pinch of red pepper flakes on top—or go for a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving!
Side Dishes
Since these bowls are filling on their own, I like to keep sides light and simple. Think a crispy green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli for a dose of extra veg. If you’re really hungry, keto garlic breadsticks will help you soak up every last bit of cheesy pizza flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking Keto Pizza Bowls in individual cast iron mini-skillets or even large portobello mushroom caps instead of ramekins. You can also set up a pizza bowl bar and let everyone in the family choose their own toppings—just arrange bowls of tasty options and let everyone build their ideal bowl before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few pizza bowls left? No problem. Let them cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or a lid. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will get even better overnight!
Freezing
Keto Pizza Bowls freeze surprisingly well. Once baked and cooled, wrap the ramekins tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, uncover your bowl and pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until sizzling hot. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but the oven will give you that classic melty-cheese finish.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in Keto Pizza Bowls?
Absolutely! Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even diced rotisserie chicken. Pepperoni or bacon bits are delicious for extra flavor and crunch too.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and add even more mushrooms, peppers, onions, or your favorite keto-friendly plant-based sausage to keep all that savory satisfaction.
Are there other cheeses I can use?
You bet—mix in provolone, fontina, cheddar, or even a little gouda for a new flavor twist. Just make sure they’re shredded for easy melting.
What’s the best way to meal prep these?
You can prep the bowls (minus the cheese layer) up to two days in advance. When ready to eat, top with cheese and bake. This way, you get freshly melted cheese every time.
How can I lower the sodium?
Choose a low-sodium marinara sauce, and if possible, opt for lower-salt cheese and sausage. Also, feel free to rinse olives before adding them to your bowls to reduce the salt content further.
Final Thoughts
Keto Pizza Bowls are unbelievably simple, ultra-comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a keto household or just want a crave-worthy dinner that doesn’t require a rolling pin, these bowls check every box. I hope you’ll give them a try—the only thing better than how they taste is how easy they are to make!
Print
Keto Pizza Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Keto Pizza Bowls are a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Packed with savory Italian sausage, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese, they make a satisfying meal for anyone watching their carb intake.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bowls:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked sausage into four oven-safe ramekins. Top each with marinara sauce, bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.
- Season and bake: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can customize toppings with keto-friendly options like pepperoni or bacon.
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
