Description
This easy Pizza Protein Bowl combines seasoned ground chicken or turkey, crispy pepperoni, fresh vegetables, rich pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella over cauliflower rice. A delicious, high-protein, low-carb-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked cauliflower rice (or brown rice or quinoa)
150g (5.3 oz) ground chicken or turkey
6–8 slices pepperoni
1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup zucchini, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Optional: sriracha or hot sauce
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken or turkey, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart, until browned and fully cooked (165°F internally).
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add mushrooms and zucchini. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Base: Add warm, cooked cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe or broiler-safe serving bowl, depending on your melting method.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Layer the cooked meat, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, chopped spinach, and pepperoni over the cauliflower rice.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon pizza sauce evenly over the ingredients. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
6. Melt the Cheese: Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 45–60 seconds, or broil in a broiler-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil and add sriracha or hot sauce if desired.
8. Serve: Enjoy your Pizza Protein Bowl immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
Protein Options: Substitute lean ground beef or plant-based crumbles for ground chicken or turkey.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice and pizza sauce without added sugar.
Extra Protein: Add more lean ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese Tip: Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and prevents excess liquid.
Meal Prep: Store cooked ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Microwave until heated throughout to 165°F.
Customization: Add bell peppers, olives, jalapeños, or your favorite pizza toppings.
Food Safety: Only use broiler-safe bowls under the broiler. Never broil ordinary ceramic or microwave-only bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling or Microwave
- Cuisine: Italian-American Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 760 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1600 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 58 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg