Ingredients — 4 servings
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sugar pizza or marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Optional: sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until fully cooked.
- Add garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Divide the mixture between 4 oven-safe bowls or small baking dishes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously over each bowl. Add pepperoni if desired.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
Quick Details
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving without pepperoni:
- Calories: 430–480
- Protein: 32–36 g
- Carbs: 10–14 g
- Fat: 28–32 g
Nutrition is approximate and depends on the beef, cheese, and sauce used.
Nut & Allergen Info
- Nuts: None required
- Dairy: Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Possible allergens: Check pizza sauce, seasoning, and packaged cheese labels for soy or other ingredients.
- Naturally crustless and low-carb; use a low-sugar pizza sauce to keep carbohydrates lower.
Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.
Can I add pepperoni?
Absolutely. Add sliced pepperoni before baking for extra pizza flavor.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or olives are good options.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Assemble the bowls, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Make sure they are heated thoroughly before serving.
Can I make them without cheese?
Yes, but the melted cheese provides the classic pizza-bowl texture and flavor.