Description
Protein-packed pizza bowls deliver Italian-inspired comfort with a nutritious twist. Layers of zesty marinara, melted cheese, and customizable toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Base and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 grams) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetable and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100 grams) bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup (100 grams) mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup (50 grams) red onion, diced
- ½ cup (50 grams) black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and cook ground chicken, turkey, or tofu until thoroughly done, developing a golden-brown exterior. Infuse the protein with robust seasonings including garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Utilize the same skillet to caramelize selected vegetables, transforming them into tender, slightly charred morsels that contribute depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Create individual pizza bowls by layering the perfectly seasoned protein as a foundational element, followed by the expertly sauteed vegetables. Cascade pizza sauce generously across the mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute cheese evenly over the sauce-covered base, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or dried oregano for an additional flavor dimension.
- Transfer the assembled bowls to a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing them to bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese becomes gloriously molten and slightly golden around the edges.
- For those desiring a crisp, caramelized top, activate the broiler for a brief 1-2 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning.
- Remove the pizza bowls from the oven and elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or alternative herbs. Serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and stretchy, delivering a satisfying high-protein meal.
Notes
- Swap out ground meats for plant-based alternatives like tempeh or lentils to create a vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on protein content.
- Control spice levels by adjusting seasonings and using mild or hot pizza sauce depending on personal heat preferences.
- Create a low-carb option by reducing sauce quantity and using cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional grains.
- Maximize meal prep efficiency by preparing larger protein and vegetable batches that can be stored separately and quickly assembled during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg