Easy Pizza Bowls

Easy, Cheesy Pizza Bowls with a Spicy Twist

Let’s be real: life gets heavy sometimes. And when the weight of the world (or just a long week) feels like too much, sometimes what we need is simple — comfort food that warms your soul but doesn’t weigh you down. That’s where these easy, cheesy Pizza Bowls come in. They’re healthy-ish, protein-packed, and customizable… and honestly, just so satisfying.

This is one of those recipes I love to throw together at the end of a long day. It’s everything you want in a pizza, without the crust — baked right into a bowl, layered with fresh veggies, Italian chicken sausage, and topped with bubbly mozzarella and crispy turkey pepperoni. You get all the flavor, none of the fuss.

Easy Pizza Bowls with Marconi Sauce and Giardiniera
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3 links Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper or zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices turkey pepperoni
• 1 cup pizza sauce (I used Marconi pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp Marconi hot giardiniera (or mild, if preferred) Optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms, bell pepper or zucchini, and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. In two small oven-safe bowls, layer the sautéed veggies, then top with cooked sausage then pour the sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle with oregano and crushed red pepper.
6. Add shredded mozzarella and arrange turkey pepperoni on top.
7. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Top each bowl with a spoonful of Marconi giardiniera (optional)

Why This Recipe Works:

• High in protein and low in carbs.
• Easily customizable — swap in any veggies or toppings you like.
• Ready in less than 30 minutes.

The Heart Behind the Bowl:

Sometimes, the most comforting thing isn’t just the food — it’s the act of nourishing yourself. Of taking a moment to say, “I deserve this.” Whether you’re navigating grief, healing from something difficult, or just trying to make it through a busy week, meals like this are more than recipes — they’re reminders that you’re worthy of joy and something yummy.

And speaking of joy…

I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something that just lands on you. It’s not something you stumble into or that magically appears when everything finally falls into place. It’s a choice. A mindset. A moment-to-moment decision to embrace the light — even if there’s still some darkness around you. And I know this isn’t always what we want to hear.

When you’ve been through deep grief or loss, like I have, it can feel like happiness is out of reach. But that’s not true. I’ve learned that you can carry your love, your memories, and your pain — and still allow joy, laughter, and healing. And of course, if you’re in the midst of something terrible or earth-shattering or immense grief, you’re allowed to be right where you are. There’s no timeline for that.

Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring what you’ve been through. It means honoring it while realizing you deserve joy. it’s an act of kindness to yourself.

— xo, Kelly

🔗 Watch Me Make It
Catch the reel on Instagram where I make this exact bowl and share some thoughts on self-care and resilience: Watch the Reel

🛒 Products I Love:

• Marconi Hot Giardiniera and Marconi Sauces
• My Favorite Red Ceramic Bowls

Explore More Recipes at kelly-rizzo.com