What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Big Flavor
You probably already have most of these tucked away. Let’s make magic:
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sizzling up that golden base
½ cup chopped onions – sweet, aromatic, flavor foundation
½ cup chopped green bell peppers – crunch + color + vitamin C
1 cup sliced mushrooms – meaty texture, rich in umami (they want to be in pizza)
2 cloves garlic, minced – because nothing says “I care” like garlic
1 pound ground beef or turkey – use what you’ve got! Beef = bold, turkey = leaner
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – oregano, basil, thyme… the scent of nonna’s kitchen
Salt and pepper to taste – the quiet heroes of deliciousness
1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce or marinara (not listed but essential!) – the saucy soul of the dish
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible gooey top
Optional upgrades: Pepperoni slices, olives, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan
Yes, we added a few extras beyond the original list—because real cooks know: sauce and cheese are non-negotiable.
How to Make It: One Skillet, Zero Stress
Grab your favorite deep skillet (cast iron if you’ve got it!), and let’s build this beauty step by step.
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden. Toss in garlic and stir for 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! (Aroma = instant mood boost.)
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Push veggies to the side. Add ground beef or turkey to the center. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Season & Simmer
Stir everything together. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the pizza sauce. Stir well, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so flavors marry like they’re on a cozy Italian vacation.
Step 4: Cheese It Up!
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover with a lid (or foil) and let it melt for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and dreamy.
Step 5: Serve & Savor
Turn off the heat. Grab a spoon. Scoop into bowls. Add extras if you like—pepperoni, a dash of hot sauce, fresh basil.
Bonus points: Eat it straight from the skillet while standing at the counter. No shame. Just joy. 🍴
Pro Tips to Level Up Your Bowl Game
Make it keto: Use sugar-free marinara and add diced zucchini or spinach.
Vegetarian? Swap meat for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Extra cheesy: Mix mozzarella with a little provolone or cream cheese for richness.
Meal prep friendly: Divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep it saucy.
Feed a crowd: Double it and serve at your next casual get-together. Watch people ask, “Wait, this is low-carb?”
More Than Just Dinner—It’s a Moment
This isn’t just food.
It’s the meal you make when you’re too tired to adult but still want to feel cared for.
It’s what you serve when your kid says, “Is it pizza night?” and you say, “Kind of.”
It’s proof that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, fun, or family time.
And sometimes, it’s the reason everyone lingers at the table a little longer—talking, laughing, licking spoons.
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