All the flavors of pizza—melty cheese, savory toppings, and Italian seasoning—without the carb-heavy crust. This protein-packed bowl is quick, filling, and perfect for keto meal prep.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Pizza Bowl Base
- 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian chicken sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Protein Cheese Layer
- 1 cup (225 g) blended cottage cheese
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 scoop (30 g) unflavored whey protein isolate (optional for extra protein)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Pizza Toppings
- 1½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) sliced pepperoni (choose sugar-free if possible)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers (optional; adjust for carbs)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional Finish
- Sugar-free pizza sauce (2–3 tbsp per bowl)
- Chili flakes
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the bowls.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground meat until browned and fully cooked.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
- Mix together:
- Blended cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Whey protein isolate
- Parmesan cheese
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 oven-safe bowls.
- Add a layer of the creamy cheese mixture.
- Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and desired pizza toppings.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Bowl)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 55 g
- Total Carbs: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 31 g
