This Pizza Protein Bowl is a fun way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a healthy way! With yummy toppings like chicken, peppers, and cheese, it’s tasty and filling.
You can even customize it with your own favorite toppings! Honestly, my kids love it, and they think they’re eating pizza for dinner. Who says healthy can’t be fun? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa or Brown Rice: This acts as the base. Quinoa cooks pretty quickly and offers more protein, but brown rice is comforting and filling. You can also try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option!
Ground Chicken or Turkey: Both are excellent lean protein choices. If you prefer red meat, ground beef or pork works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or chickpeas instead.
Pizza Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. If you’re low on sauce, marinara works just as well. I sometimes add a bit of pesto for a twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or a dairy-free cheese can be great alternatives to meet different tastes.
Vegetables: I love adding zucchini and mushrooms, but feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, spinach, or even artichokes make delicious additions.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Egg for Your Pizza Bowl?
Cooking the egg to your liking is key for this dish. I recommend going with a sunny side up or poached egg for that runny yolk experience. Here’s how to do it!
- For sunny side up: Heat a little oil in a small pan over medium heat. Crack in the egg gently and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
- For poached: Bring a small pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Crack the egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still soft.
- These methods add a lovely touch to your Pizza Protein Bowl!
Pizza Protein Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
For the Protein:
- 6 oz ground chicken or turkey
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 6-8 slices pepperoni (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 large egg
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pizza Protein Bowl can be put together in approximately 25-30 minutes. That includes about 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Protein:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken or turkey, and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks.
2. Combine with Sauce:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. After that, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and cover the skillet briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In another pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms and zucchini with a pinch of salt over medium heat. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are tender. Delicious and nutritious!
4. Cook the Egg:
While your vegetables are sautéing, you can cook the egg. If you like it sunny side up, just crack it into a small pan and cook it until the whites are set but the yolk remains soft. This will add a lovely creaminess to your bowl.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
Now it’s time to put your Pizza Protein Bowl together! Start by layering the base of cooked quinoa or brown rice in a bowl. Add the fresh spinach leaves on one side to bring some freshness and color.
6. Add Toppings:
Next, arrange the pizza chicken mixture, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini slices, and pepperoni slices around the bowl. There are no rules here—put them where you like!
7. Finish with the Egg:
Finally, gently place the cooked egg in the center of the bowl. It’s all about presentation!
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
9. Enjoy:
Your Pizza Protein Bowl is now ready to eat! Serve it warm, dig in, and savor the delightful flavors!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Bowl?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is ideal, but you can also use ground beef, pork, or even meat alternatives like plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Cook the quinoa or rice, sauté the veggies, and cook the protein and sauce. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to assemble your bowl!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Pizza Protein Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the egg is already cooked, consider adding a fresh egg when reheating for that delicious runny yolk!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! You could add bell peppers, olives, or even artichokes for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to customize this bowl to your liking!
