Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1/2 cup onions, chopped
03 - 1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped
04 - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

→ Seasonings and Sauce

07 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
09 - 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

→ Cheese and Toppings

11 - 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
12 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
13 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get out 2-3 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes, depending on their size. Place them on a baking sheet for easier handling later.
02 - Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the hot oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and started to release their flavors. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more - this prevents the garlic from burning while still releasing its aroma.
03 - Push all the vegetables to one side of the skillet to make room for the meat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the cleared space. Season the meat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it's fully browned and no pink remains - about 5-7 minutes. If you've used a fattier meat, you may want to carefully drain off some of the excess fat at this point.
04 - Pour the low-carb marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
05 - Divide the hot meat and veggie mixture evenly among your prepared ramekins or baking dishes. Make sure not to fill them completely to the top, as the cheese will need some room. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each portion, then top with the grated Parmesan cheese. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
06 - Place the baking sheet with your filled ramekins into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted, is bubbling around the edges, and has developed some golden brown spots on top.
07 - Remove the pizza bowls from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes - they'll be extremely hot! Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve while still hot, but be careful as the ramekins will remain hot for some time.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe is perfect for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, as it gives you all the flavors of pizza without the carb-heavy crust.
02 - Feel free to customize your pizza bowls with your favorite pizza toppings - pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives, or different cheeses all work well.
03 - When choosing marinara sauce, check the label carefully for added sugars or high-carb ingredients to keep this truly low-carb.

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