Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe

If you love pizza but want to skip the carb-heavy crust, the Crustless Pizza Bowl is a perfect solution that delivers all the comforting flavors you crave without the extra dough. This dish layers savory sausage, colorful vegetables, zesty tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of gooey cheese into a hearty, satisfying bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re pressed for time or looking for a cozy, homemade meal, the Crustless Pizza Bowl is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crustless Pizza Bowl comes together from a few simple ingredients, each bringing something unique to the dish. From the spicy richness of the sausage to the vibrant freshness of bell peppers and the melty, cheesy finish, every component plays a vital role in making this bowl bursting with flavor and perfect texture.

• 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild): Choose your preferred spice level to set the savory foundation of the bowl.
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors): Adds sweetness and a pop of bright color that makes the dish inviting.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy and tender, mushrooms deepen the flavor while keeping it light.
• 1 cup diced onions (yellow): For a slightly sweet and aromatic base that ties the ingredients together.
• 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce: Keeps the dish tangy and fresh without overpowering sweetness.
• 2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar): The perfect melty combo for a gooey, golden topping.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that transforms the bowl with classic pizza flavors.

How to Make Crustless Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray an oven-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your Crustless Pizza Bowl won’t stick and will be easy to serve later. Getting the oven ready at the beginning makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Place the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat and cook it until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Be sure to drain off the excess fat after cooking to keep the dish from becoming greasy, which will let the other vibrant flavors shine through in the Crustless Pizza Bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and diced onions to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté these together for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and their aromas meld with the sausage. This step builds layers of flavor and gives the bowl its wonderful texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish. Pour the low-sugar tomato sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning to infuse the dish with those irresistible pizza herbs. Finish by generously topping everything with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend—this will create that signature bubbly and golden effect.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake the Crustless Pizza Bowl in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown. This step melds all the flavors together while creating a melty crust-like topping that’s nothing short of delicious.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This simple pause helps the flavors settle and prevents you from burning your tongue on that cheesy goodness. Now, your Crustless Pizza Bowl is perfectly ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crustless Pizza Bowl

Garnishes

To elevate your Crustless Pizza Bowl even further, consider topping it with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra zing. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add richness, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley brings a lovely pop of green and freshness.

Side Dishes

This hearty bowl pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add fiber and balance without competing with the bold flavors of the bowl. Garlic bread can be a nice treat if you’re in the mood to feel like you’re having traditional pizza night.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Crustless Pizza Bowl in small, individual ramekins and let everyone customize their own garnishes at the table. You can also layer it in a clear glass baking dish to show off all the colorful vegetables and cheese in tantalizing layers. This dish’s versatility means you can make it casual or fancy with just a few tweaks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Crustless Pizza Bowl stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for packing lunches or enjoying quick leftovers the next day without losing any of the delicious flavors.

Freezing

If you want to keep the bowl for longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing is a fantastic way to have a homemade pizza-inspired meal ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover Crustless Pizza Bowl in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is again bubbly. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered with a microwave-safe lid for a quicker option, though the oven method will give you a more satisfying texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Crustless Pizza Bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or artichokes to keep it hearty and delicious.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

A blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides the perfect balance of gooey stretch and sharp flavor. Feel free to experiment with provolone or Parmesan for added depth, but mozzarella and cheddar remain the classic favorites.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely yes! The Crustless Pizza Bowl holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunch or dinner for several days.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can choose mild or spicy sausage according to your preference. Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish can also boost the heat if you like it spicier.

What can I use instead of tomato sauce?

If you want a different twist, try using a pesto sauce or a white garlic sauce for a fun variation. Just keep in mind these will alter the classic pizza flavor somewhat, but can make a delicious change.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Crustless Pizza Bowl a try soon because it truly is a wonderful way to satisfy pizza cravings with less fuss and fewer carbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something comforting yet a little different. Once you taste the melty cheese, savory sausage, and that delicious tomato sauce all baked to bubbly perfection, this will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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