Quick Description
This Crustless Pizza Bowl delivers all the bubbling cheese, savory sauce, and pizzeria-style flavor you love — without the crust or the extra calories. Layered with lean protein, mushrooms, onions, marinara, and melty cheese, it’s a quick, cozy, family-approved dinner that satisfies every pizza craving. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the ultimate healthier pizza-night alternative.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (baking)
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken (or turkey pepperoni)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional for extra melt)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown the Meat
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey or chicken with diced onion.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until meat is browned and onions are softened.
3. Add Vegetables
- Add mushrooms to the skillet.
- Sauté until they release moisture and soften.
4. Add Marinara
- Pour in the sugar-free marinara sauce.
- Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Build the Bowls
- Divide mixture into small oven-safe baking dishes or a single casserole dish.
- Top generously with mozzarella and cheddar.
6. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, golden, and bubbling.
7. Serve
- Enjoy hot — straight from the bowl like a cozy, cheesy pizza casserole.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
(Varies based on cheese/fat choices)
- Calories: 280–350
- Protein: 30–40g
- Carbs: 6–10g
- Fat: 12–18g
- Fiber: 1–3g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Ground turkey/chicken + cheese create a muscle-supporting meal.
- Low-Carb: All the pizza flavor without the crust.
- Fast & Easy: One pan + one bake.
- Kid-Approved: Cheesy, saucy, comforting — perfect for picky eaters.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap meats, or change cheeses.
- Perfect for Cravings: Satisfies pizza urges without blowing calories.
Additional Notes
- For extra flavor depth, add garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Turkey pepperoni can replace ground meat for a fast, no-prep version.
- Use part-skim cheese to lighten the recipe while keeping the melt factor.
- Makes great leftovers — flavor intensifies overnight.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Yes
- Low-Sugar: With sugar-free marinara
Brief Introduction
This recipe was inspired by pizza nights where everyone wanted the cheesy goodness but not the heavy crust. The first time it hit the table, it won over the entire family — especially with its rich flavor and gooey cheese layers. It quickly became a staple because it’s fast, comforting, and significantly healthier than takeout pizza.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown meat + onions
- Add mushrooms + seasonings
- Stir in marinara
- Divide into bowls
- Top with cheese
- Bake until bubbly
- Serve hot and melty
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey/Chicken: Lean, high-protein base; can replace with beef or sausage.
- Marinara: Choose sugar-free for low-carb or keto.
- Mushrooms: Add savory umami; can replace with bell peppers or spinach.
- Mozzarella/Cheddar: Any melting cheese works; use dairy-free cheese if needed.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings classic pizza flavor.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Supreme Pizza Bowl
Add bell peppers, olives, and turkey pepperoni.
Veggie Pizza Bowl
Use mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Meat Lover’s Bowl
Use a mix of turkey sausage + turkey pepperoni.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic cauliflower mash
- Add a side salad
- Spoon over zucchini noodles
- Eat straight from the bowl (the best way!)
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Up to 1 month (best without cheese topping).
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer for best texture; microwave for speed.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free mozzarella shreds.
Can I skip the cheddar?
Absolutely — mozzarella alone works great.
Can I use ground beef?
Yes, but lean turkey or chicken keeps it lighter.
Can I air-fry this?
Yes — 375°F for 6–8 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
Optional Personal Story
The first time I served this dish, my husband stopped mid-bite and said, “Oh my God… this is fantastic!” It became an instant favorite — cozy, rich, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The kids loved it too, although my husband secretly hoped they wouldn’t so he could steal their portions!
