Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- ¼ cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt (more as needed)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1½ cup marinara sauce
Dairy and Toppings
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded (more as needed)
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 450ºF. Chop the mushrooms, jalapeño, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set all aside ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat and cooking until no longer pink. Use a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. Next, add the dried oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion begins to sweat.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped mushrooms, jalapeño, and bell pepper. Add the tomato paste and mix well, letting it brown slightly to enhance flavors. Then pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the marinara mixture to simmer gently for about a minute, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Bowls: Spoon equal portions of the meat and marinara mixture into oven-safe bowls (20-25 oz capacity). If oven-safe bowls aren’t available, microwave-safe ones will work as an alternative.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously top each bowl with shredded mozzarella and then add the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake or Microwave: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbling. Alternatively, cover the bowls and microwave for 1 minute or longer until the cheese melts.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza bowls cool for a minute or two before serving to allow them to set slightly and prevent burns. Serve directly in the bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat for variation.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use thick marinara sauce for better consistency and flavor.
- Baking creates a nice browned cheese topping, but microwaving is a quicker alternative.
- Ensure bowls are oven-safe if baking; glass or ceramic works best.
- Additional toppings like olives, mushrooms, or extra cheese can be added as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
