Name: Pizza Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed (hot or sweet); ½ onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Pinch each garlic powder and crushed red pepper; 2 cups shredded cheese, preferably Italian or Pizza blend; 2 cups marinara sauce; 12 slices turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni

Jump to Recipe

If you love the gooey, savory flavors of pizza but crave something a little lighter or more creative, this Pizza Bowl is sure to become your new comfort food obsession. All the classic pizza essentials—melty cheese, hearty sausage, tangy marinara, and savory pepperoni—come together in a bubbly, casserole-style dish. It’s one of those fun, customizable meals that feels both indulgent and totally easy. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a solo pizza night in, the Pizza Bowl is pure, cheesy joy with none of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pizza Bowl recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight. With just a few everyday staples, you build layers of bold Italian flavor and irresistible texture—each one matters for that ultimate pizza payoff.

Italian turkey sausage: Using turkey keeps things lean without sacrificing the spicy, herby depth that makes pizza sausage so satisfying.
Onion: Diced onion adds a sweet crunch and helps balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Green bell pepper: This classic pizza topping brings a pop of color and a subtle, garden-fresh bite.
Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle makes the whole dish taste undeniably like “pizza.”
Garlic powder: Gives an extra punch of flavor without the hassle of peeling or mincing fresh garlic.
Crushed red pepper: Adjust the heat to your preference, but even a pinch wakes up the sauce and cheese.
Shredded cheese: Go with an Italian or pizza blend—think mozzarella, provolone, and a hint of parmesan for perfect melting and flavor.
Marinara sauce: A good, store-bought jar works perfectly, or use homemade if you’ve got it on hand.
Pepperoni slices: Turkey or classic pork, they crisp beautifully on top and make the Pizza Bowl instantly crave-able.
Cooking spray: Just enough to keep all that bubbling cheese from sticking to your baking dishes.

How to Make Pizza Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Start the Sausage Mixture

Set your oven to a piping hot 425 degrees F and spray four oven-safe, 2-cup baking dishes with nonstick spray. Meanwhile, get a large nonstick skillet going over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from your turkey sausage and crumble it straight into the pan, adding your diced onions and green peppers. Cook everything, breaking up the sausage, until the meat is browned through and the veggies are tender and fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper, then take the skillet off the heat so the flavors can meld.

Step 2: Layer the Sauce and Sausage

With your prepared dishes at the ready, scoop half of the marinara sauce evenly into the bottom of each one. This is the first, saucy hug that anchors the Pizza Bowl. Next, spoon the sausage and veggie mixture over the sauce, dividing it evenly for flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add More Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

Now, add the second half of the marinara sauce on top of the sausage layer in each bowl. Sprinkle a generous mound of your shredded cheese blend over the sauce—don’t worry about being too precise, this is the “pizza” part! Finish each Pizza Bowl with slices of pepperoni arranged beautifully on top. You want those edges to get a little crispy in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place the loaded bowls on a baking sheet for easier handling. Slide them into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on how deep or wide your bowls are. You’re looking for bubbly sauce, melted cheese, and golden brown edges. Let the Pizza Bowls stand about 5 minutes—trust me, they’ll smell incredible but are seriously hot right out of the oven!

How to Serve Pizza Bowl

Garnishes

The finishing touch takes your Pizza Bowl from craving to gourmet. I love fresh basil ribbons or a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for color and a herbaceous lift. A pinch of grated parmesan or a drizzle of chili oil is pure magic if you want to take things to the next level.

Side Dishes

Sometimes, all you need is a crusty piece of garlic bread or a pillowy dinner roll to scoop up molten cheese and sauce. A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness but keeps things feeling like “pizza night.” Roasted veggies or a bowl of minestrone soup are cozy, Italian-inspired choices too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, make mini Pizza Bowls in small ramekins so everyone gets their own personal pie. Or, set up a Pizza Bowl bar with toppings—olives, mushrooms, extra peppers—and let everyone build their ideal dish. Layering the bowls in glassware also shows off those colorful, oozy layers for an Instagram-worthy moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Pizza Bowl (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature and cover tightly with foil or a fitted lid. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle!

Freezing

These casserole-style bowls freeze like a dream. Once cooled, wrap each bowl securely in plastic wrap and foil. For best results, freeze either before baking (minus the cheese and pepperoni on top) or after, and store up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another Pizza Bowl fix, reheat in a 350 degree F oven (covered with foil) until bubbling and warmed through—about 15-20 minutes for individual bowls. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring gently as needed.

FAQs

Can I use regular pork sausage instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Regular Italian sausage will make the Pizza Bowl a little richer and add that classic pizza shop flavor. Just be sure to drain off any extra fat before layering.

What other cheeses can I use?

If you don’t have a pizza blend, mozzarella is the top pick. Provolone, fontina, or even a handful of sharp cheddar mixed in are all delicious ways to melt things up.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Pizza Bowl?

Yes! Swap in crumbled veggie sausage or extra sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Just make sure to season well for pizza flavor in every bite.

Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

It’s perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble the Pizza Bowls up to the point just before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best way to make this for a crowd?

Instead of individual bowls, you can assemble everything in a big casserole dish and scoop out portions. Or, line up mini bowls and let guests pick their toppings at a Pizza Bowl party—fun and interactive!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for an easy, delicious twist on pizza night, the Pizza Bowl is a total game changer. It’s cozy, customizable, and guaranteed to put smiles on every face at your table. Give it a try and discover just how much fun pizza in a bowl can be!

Pizza Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy all the flavors of a classic pizza in a comforting bowl form with this delicious Pizza Bowl recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Sausage Mixture:

1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed (hot or sweet)
½ onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch each garlic powder and crushed red pepper

Assembly:

2 cups shredded cheese, preferably Italian or Pizza blend
2 cups marinara sauce
12 slices turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat 4 individual-sized (2 cup) oven-proof baking dishes with cooking spray.
Cook the Sausage Mixture: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled turkey sausage, onion, and pepper until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are softened. Add oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide half of the sauce among the baking dishes, top with the sausage mixture, then the remaining sauce. Add cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
Bake: Bake the bowls until bubbly and hot, about 12 to 18 minutes. Let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Feel free to use your preferred type of cheese for a personalized touch.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian