It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. This Pizza Protein Bowl is your new secret weapon for busy nights.
You get all the flavors of a fresh pizza. There is no heavy crust to weigh you down. It is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Your whole family will love this quick meal.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Protein Bowl
This recipe is a total winner for any home cook. It is packed with lean protein to keep you full. You only need a few simple ingredients from your pantry. It is perfect for a healthy reset after a busy weekend.
You can have this on the table in under 25 minutes. It is much faster than waiting for delivery. The flavors are fresh and bright. It is a kid-approved meal that feels like a treat.
Simple Method
Making this bowl is incredibly simple and stress-free. You just brown the meat and toss in the veggies. The oven does the final work to melt the cheese. Even a beginner can master this easy dish. It is completely doable on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are mostly pantry staples that you likely already have. Fresh veggies add a nice crunch to every bite.
- 8 oz lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 10 slices turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet carefully.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and red onions.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened.
- Add the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe or oven-safe bowl.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top.
- Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 45-60 seconds.
- Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm in your favorite cozy bowl. You can add a crisp side salad for extra greens. It is also great with a few garlic knots for the kids. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free meal together.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. This makes it a great choice for meal prep lunches. Reheat in the microwave for about one minute. The cheese will get gooey and delicious all over again.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the turkey well to avoid a soggy bowl.
- Use a non-stick skillet for the easiest cleanup.
- Don’t skip the red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Try using a spicy marinara for more depth of flavor.
- Prep your veggies on Sunday to save time later.
- Double the batch if you are feeding a larger family.
- Add fresh basil at the end for a fancy touch.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Add sliced mushrooms or black olives for more texture.
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef.
- Use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the sauce step.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meat mixture in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready. Add the cheese and pepperoni right before you heat it up. This is perfect for busy families who need a head start.
Will my kids actually eat this?
Most kids love the flavor of pizza and melted cheese. It tastes just like their favorite slice but in a bowl. You can even let them add their own toppings. It makes dinner time fun and interactive for everyone.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The turkey should be completely brown with no pink left. It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Breaking it into small crumbles helps it cook evenly. Use a wooden spoon to stir it frequently.
I hope this cozy recipe brings a little ease to your busy week. It is a simple way to enjoy those classic pizza flavors we all love. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Pizza Protein Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 10 slices turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and red onions, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and heating through for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe or oven-safe bowl.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top of the meat mixture.
- Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 45-60 seconds until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
