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Crustless Pizza Bowls Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

Crustless Pizza Bowls offer a low-carb, hearty alternative to traditional pizza by layering Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and cheese in oven-safe bowls, then baking until bubbly and topped with pepperoni for a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage
  • 2 cups Italian cheese (shredded blend of mozzarella and cheddar recommended)
  • 8 slices pepperoni

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced

Sauces and Oils

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pizza bowls.
  2. Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage, stirring frequently and breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and browned.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped mushrooms, diced green pepper, and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare Baking Dishes: Use six oven-safe bowls or a large cast iron skillet placed on a cookie sheet. If using bowls, place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet for stability during baking.
  5. Layer Sauce: Spoon a small layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of each bowl or skillet section to create the base of your crustless pizza.
  6. Add Meat and Veggies: Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage and sautéed vegetables over the marinara layer in each bowl.
  7. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Add another layer of marinara sauce over the meat and veggies, then sprinkle the Italian cheese blend generously on top.
  8. Add Pepperoni: Place the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer to finish the assembly.
  9. Bake and Broil: Place the prepared bowls or skillet in the oven and bake for 6 to 7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Then set your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1 minute to get a slightly crispy, browned cheese topping.
  10. Serve: Remove from oven carefully and serve the warm crustless pizza bowls immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Using oven-safe bowls allows easy individual servings but you can also use a large cast iron skillet for a shared dish.
  • If preferred, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Customize the vegetables by adding olives, spinach, or zucchini for variety.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American