Description
Protein-packed pizza bowls deliver Italian-inspired comfort in a hearty, nutritious meal. Layered with zesty marinara, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dish satisfies cravings with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup (100 g) mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup (50 g) red onion, diced
- ½ cup (50 g) black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Sizzle ground chicken, turkey, or tofu in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden-brown, infusing with garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a flavor-packed foundation.
- Vegetable Transformation: In the same skillet, caramelize selected vegetables until tender and slightly charred, developing a sweet and robust flavor profile.
- Bowl Assembly: Layer seasoned protein as the base, top with sautéed vegetables, and generously drench with pizza sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cheese Melting: Evenly distribute cheese over the sauce-coated mixture, creating a creamy texture. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or dried oregano for an extra flavor kick.
- Oven Baking: Slide the assembled bowls into a preheated 375F (190C) oven for 10-12 minutes, allowing the cheese to become gloriously molten and develop a golden edge.
- Final Touch: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized top, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or alternative herbs, and serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and stretchy, delivering a mouthwatering high-protein feast.
Notes
- Protein Precision: Choose lean, high-quality ground meats or plant-based alternatives like tofu for optimal protein content and consistent texture.
- Seasoning Strategy: Generously season protein with spices before cooking to develop deep, complex flavor layers that elevate the entire dish.
- Vegetable Technique: Sauté vegetables at high heat to achieve caramelization, which concentrates natural sugars and creates a richer taste profile.
- Cheese Melting Mastery: Watch cheese closely during final baking to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without overcooking or burning the surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg