This fun Pizza Protein Bowl has all your favorite pizza flavors but in a healthy, easy-to-make way! Packed with protein, it’s great for lunch or dinner.
Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like pizza but is still good for you? I enjoy topping mine with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice base and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, you can use kale or arugula instead for a different flavor and texture.
Ground Turkey/Beef: Ground turkey keeps this bowl lean, but you can easily swap in ground chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or tempeh.
Marinara Sauce: A tomato basil sauce fits perfectly, but if you’re short on time, store-bought sauces work fine. You might even use pesto for a different twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but you could use any cheese that melts well, like provolone or cheddar. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese.
Pepperoni: For a healthier or vegetarian option, consider turkey pepperoni or even sliced mushrooms for umami flavor without the meat.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Ground Meat?
Cooking your ground meat properly is key to avoiding dryness and ensuring flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper earlier on to help the flavors soak in.
Keep an eye on it and make sure not to overcook, as it can dry out. Using lean meat aids in keeping the dish healthy too!
Pizza Protein Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (tomato basil sauce)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed
This delicious Pizza Protein Bowl takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal in just about 20 minutes!
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground turkey or lean ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Once the meat is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until they’re tender and nicely cooked, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a nice texture to your bowl!
3. Combine with Marinara:
Stir in the marinara sauce into the meat and mushroom mixture. Let it all simmer together for about 3-5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Start Layering:
Grab a baking-safe bowl or dish. Lay down the fresh spinach leaves as the base—this is where you build your delicious bowl!
5. Add the Meat Sauce:
Pour the savory meat and sauce mixture right over the spinach. It’s okay if the spinach starts to wilt; this is what we want!
6. Top it Off:
Next, add your roasted red bell peppers on top, and arrange the pepperoni slices over everything. Yum!
7. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire bowl. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
8. Broil to Perfection:
Pop the bowl under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close watch. You want the cheese to melt and get bubbly with those delightful golden spots.
9. Add Fresh Herbs:
Carefully remove the bowl from the oven. Now, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pizza Protein Bowl hot, and mix everything together to enjoy the pizza flavors in every bite! It’s filling, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Pizza Protein Bowl!
Can I Use Spinach or Other Greens Instead?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach is a great base, but you can also use kale, arugula, or any other leafy greens you like. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the toppings!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may want to add a splash of marinara to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this a vegetarian meal! Substitute the ground turkey or beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative like crumbles made from soy or pea protein. Just adjust seasoning to your taste!
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to customize this bowl with your favorite pizza toppings! Consider adding olives, jalapeños, or different cheeses. You can also switch up the protein or use a lower-carb alternative like cauliflower rice.
