If you're anything like me, you crave pizza at least once a week. But sometimes, you want all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the carb crash. That’s where this Pizza Bowl comes in. It’s fast, easy, and totally customizable.
It has all the flavors of your favorite slice — but in a bowl. No crust, no guilt, all joy. This is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want comfort food that still feels light.
Once you make this, you might find yourself adding it into your regular meal rotation. And if you love this kind of recipe, you should definitely check out my Chicken Shawarma Bowl.
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The ingredients
Notes on Ingredients
Ground Turkey: A lean, high-protein base. You can also use ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based crumble.
Spices
Marinara Sauce: Go for a quality jarred marinara with simple ingredients. I like Rao’s or Thrive Market’s brand. Look for one without added sugar if you're watching carbs.
Mushrooms: I used cremini, but white button mushrooms or portobellos work great. Skip if you're not a fan.
Onion
Green bell pepper
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded melts best. Pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni looks cute and crisps up nicely, but regular slices work too.
Green Olives: Adds a salty bite. If you're not into olives, leave them out or sub with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Pizza Bowl
1. Heat it up: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks.
2. Sauté the veggies: Once the turkey is cooked through, add the diced red onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened.
3. Spice it right: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and oregano. Stir well to combine. Your kitchen should be smelling like a pizzeria right about now.
4. Add the sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
5. Top it off: Sprinkle the mozzarella over the skillet, followed by the pepperoni and black olives. You can cover the pan for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese, or pop it under a broiler for a bubbly finish if you’re using oven-safe bowls.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the turkey; you want it juicy.
- Use a lid to melt the cheese faster if not using the oven.
- Preheat your broiler if you want that cheesy golden top.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño.
- Veggie Lover: Add zucchini, spinach, or artichokes.
- Meat Lovers: Mix in crumbled sausage or bacon.
- Pesto Twist: Swap marinara for basil pesto and use mozzarella and Parmesan.
What to Serve With It
This pizza bowl is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out:
- Garlic roasted green beans
- A side Caesar salad
- Low-carb garlic bread
- Zoodles or spaghetti squash on the side
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until hot.
You can also freeze it before adding the cheese and toppings. Just thaw, heat, top, and serve.
FAQ
Absolutely. Just skip the turkey and bulk up on mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use plant-based cheese if needed.
Yes! Cook the base and refrigerate. Top with cheese and toppings right before reheating.
Yes, and I recommend it. It disappears fast. Just use a bigger pan or batch-cook in stages.
Recipe
Pizza Bowl
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Oven-safe bowls or ramekins (optional, for a baked finish)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce choose one with no added sugar if low-carb
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced green olives
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks.
- Once the turkey is cooked through, add the diced red onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder and oregano. Stir well to combine. Your kitchen should be smelling like a pizzeria right about now.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella over the skillet, followed by the pepperoni and olives. You can cover the pan for a couple of Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Want it creamier? Stir in a little cream cheese before adding the marinara.
- Use Italian sausage for a flavor boost.
- Make it in individual ramekins for dinner parties or meal prep.
Sophie Viau says
Minimal effort, big flavor, super satisfying. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and every time I do, I remember why it’s one of my go-to. It’s not just dinner, it’s comfort in a bowl.