Ingredients
(Serves 4)
The Protein & Aromatics:
• 1 lb protein of choice (ground beef 85/15 for richness, chicken breast for lean, plant-based crumbles for vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, microplaned or minced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red for sweetness, green for bite)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional but recommended)
The Pizza-Style Sauce:
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (adds smoky depth)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (the secret to rich, concentrated flavor)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (not sweet paprika—smoked is essential)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional—adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For Serving (Choose Your Base):
→ Low-carb: 4 cups riced cauliflower (steamed or sautéed)
→ Moderate-carb: 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
→ Traditional: 12 oz cooked pasta (penne or rotini hold sauce best)
→ Extra: Fresh parsley or basil, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the foundation
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet (12-inch) over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
2. Brown the protein
Push aromatics to one side. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil and protein. Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles with wooden spoon, until no pink remains. Pro tip: For ground beef, let it sear 2 minutes before breaking up—this builds fond for deeper flavor.
3. Roast the vegetables
Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 5–6 minutes undisturbed, then stir—this creates caramelization without steaming. Vegetables should be tender-crisp.
4. Build the sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Scrape browned bits from bottom—this is flavor gold. Bring to gentle simmer.
5. Simmer to meld
Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Critical: Don't rush this step—simmering melds flavors and reduces acidity.
6. Serve with soul
Divide your chosen base among bowls. Ladle generous portions of pizza bowl mixture over top. Garnish with fresh herbs, Parmesan, and extra red pepper flakes.
🌿 Pro Tips & Variations
✅ Make it keto: Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice (cook 5 mins in separate pan with 1 tbsp olive oil).
✅ Boost umami: Add 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or 2 chopped anchovy fillets with tomato paste.
✅ Extra veggie power: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during last 2 minutes of simmering.
✅ Creamy twist: Swirl in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for "pink sauce" vibes.
✅ Meal prep: Portion cooled mixture into containers; reheat with splash of broth to refresh.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes—but thaw and pat dry first. Frozen veggies release water that dilutes sauce. Add during last 5 minutes of simmering.
Q: Sauce too acidic?
A: Stir in ¼ tsp baking soda (neutralizes acid without altering flavor) or 1 tsp honey/maple syrup.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely—flavors deepen overnight. Store cooled mixture covered in fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently with splash of broth.
Q: No tomato paste?
A: Substitute 1 tbsp ketchup + ½ tsp smoked paprika. Not ideal, but works in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
→ Low-carb feast: Over cauliflower rice with side of roasted broccoli
→ Family style: With whole wheat pasta and garlic bread for dipping
→ Brunch twist: Top with fried egg and hot sauce
→ Bowl bar: Set out toppings—olives, pepperoncini, fresh mozzarella pearls, basil
Nutrition Facts (per serving over cauliflower rice)
Calories: 320 • Fat: 18g (Sat: 5g) • Protein: 28g • Total Carbs: 12g • Fiber: 4g • Net Carbs: 8g • Sugar: 6g
Rich in Lycopene, Vitamin C, and B Vitamins
(Over quinoa: +180 calories, +30g carbs, +4g protein)
(Over pasta: +220 calories, +42g carbs, +8g protein)
Allergy Information
• Dairy-free | Nut-free | Soy-free (verify broth/protein labels)
• Gluten-free option: Use GF broth and verify all packaged ingredients
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based protein crumbles + vegetable broth
Always check labels for facility cross-contamination.
There's quiet rebellion in meals that refuse to choose between flavor and function. This bowl doesn't apologize for being low-carb—it celebrates the ingredients that make pizza magical: the garlic that perfumes the kitchen, the oregano that whispers of Italian summers, the smoky paprika that adds depth without heaviness.
It asks only that you honor your own needs: pile it over cauliflower rice if that's your path, or twirl it with pasta if that brings you joy. Because nourishment isn't about rigid rules—it's about listening to your body and feeding your soul with equal care.
And that moment when you take the first bite? When the smoky tomato sauce mingles with tender protein and crisp vegetables—that's not just eating. It's remembering that the best comfort food doesn't require crust to feel complete.
One last whisper: Finish each bowl with a tiny drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt. That final touch? It's the difference between good—and unforgettable.
