1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season and Combine:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Assemble the Pizza Bowls:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bowls:
- Lightly grease 4-6 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes with non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the prepared bowls. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add Toppings:
- Add your choice of toppings (black olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, bell peppers) on top of the cheese layer.
3. Bake the Pizza Bowls:
- Bake:
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Broil (Optional):
- For an extra golden top, you can place the bowls under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the pizza bowls to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the pizza bowls warm and enjoy the comforting, low-carb pizza experience!
Tips for Success:
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can use other low-carb vegetables or meats.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ground chicken, pork, or a combination of meats.
- Make Ahead: These pizza bowls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pizza bowls before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Low Carb Pizza Bowls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors while sticking to your low-carb goals. With their satisfying combination of savory meat, rich sauce, and melted cheese, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite of this guilt-free pizza treat!