If you’re anything like me, there are days when only a pizza will do, enter the pizza bowl recipe, your new best friend for cozy cravings without the carb overload. I discovered this gem on a rainy Tuesday when I wanted all the ooey-gooey, cheesy satisfaction of pizza but none of the post-carb nap that usually follows. It’s everything we love about pizza, savory sauce, melty cheese, sizzling toppings, packed into a bowl that’s fast, fun, and surprisingly light. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry crew, or just want a low-fuss weeknight meal that still feels indulgent, this pizza bowl recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Low-Carb Delight: By eliminating the crust, you reduce carbs while still enjoying all the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, whether it’s pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this fun twist on traditional pizza.
Recipe Card
Pizza Bowl Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes400
kcalA low-carb, crustless pizza alternative that’s quick, customizable, and delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, sliced
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pepperoni slices
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (180°C): Cook Base: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant. Add ground chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in oregano and rosemary.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the chicken mixture among four oven-safe ramekins. Top each with 1/4 cup pizza sauce, then layer with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Use low-sugar pizza sauce for a healthier option.
- Use pre-cooked sausage or meatballs for added flavor and faster prep time.
Let’s Make This Pizza Bowl Recipe Even Better: Pro Tips You’ll Love
Alright, you’ve got your ingredients and you’re ready to dive into this cheesy masterpiece, but before you do, let me share a few little nuggets of kitchen wisdom. These tips will help you get the most flavor, avoid any common slip-ups, and totally rock this pizza bowl recipe on your very first try.
- Use oven-safe bowls or ramekins: Double-check that your dish is oven-safe before popping it in, nobody wants a shattered bowl!
- Drain excess grease from meat: If you’re using sausage or beef, draining the grease after cooking keeps your bowl from getting oily.
- Shred your own cheese: It melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded versions with anti-caking agents.
- Add herbs for a flavor boost: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil goes a long way in making it taste like pizzeria-quality.
- Layer smart: Put heavier toppings like mushrooms or olives under the cheese so they don’t dry out while baking.
- Broil at the end for bubbly cheese: Want that golden, slightly crispy cheese top? Broil for the last 1-2 minutes, just keep an eye on it!
Fun Twists to Make This Pizza Bowl Recipe Totally Yours
One of my favorite things about this pizza bowl recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, trying to eat a little healthier, or just in the mood for something different, these fun variations have got you covered.
- Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or even artichokes.
- Spicy & Bold: Love heat? Toss in some jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy Italian sausage for that fiery kick.
- Meat Feast: Double down with sausage, bacon, ground beef, and pepperoni if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
- Cheese Overload: Add layers of provolone, parmesan, or smoked gouda for a richer, more indulgent cheesy experience.
- Mediterranean-Inspired: Think outside the box with feta, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
- Low-Sodium or Keto-Friendly: Opt for reduced-sodium sauce and cheese, and check labels for sugar-free marinara to keep it keto-approved.
FAQs About Pizza Bowl Recipe
Yes, definitely! Ground beef, turkey, or even sausage works well, just cook it thoroughly and season it to taste.
It sure is! Just use a no-sugar-added pizza sauce and low-carb toppings to keep it keto-approved.
You can! Just swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese that melts well, there are some great vegan options out there.
Cover the bowls loosely with foil for most of the bake time, then uncover at the end to let the cheese bubble and brown.
Absolutely. Make the filling ahead, store it in the fridge, and assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Go for 2-cup (16 oz) ramekins for perfect individual servings that hold all those tasty layers.
Wrapping It Up with a Cheesy Bow
I hope this pizza bowl recipe brought a little fun and flavor into your kitchen! It’s become one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying without the fuss of making a crust. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and comforting enough to feel like a treat. Plus, the best part? You can easily switch things up every time you make it.
If you’re in the mood to keep that cozy, indulgent vibe going, you’ll probably love this crispy and fun twist on pizza night like the Cast Iron Pizza Recipe, or for something lighter but still packed with flavor, try the Burger Bowl Recipe, it’s like your favorite burger deconstructed into a bowl. And if you’re looking for more quick and cheesy dinner ideas, the Chicken Quesadilla Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Give this pizza bowl a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us, we’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
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