These Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls are a healthy and delicious twist on traditional pizza. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, flavorful marinara sauce, fresh veggies, and gooey melted cheese, these bowls are the perfect choice for a quick dinner or meal prep. Skip the crust and enjoy all the pizza flavors in a nutritious, gluten-free bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, these bowls are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
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Healthy Twist on Pizza: Quinoa serves as a nutritious base, providing protein and fiber while keeping the pizza experience satisfying and guilt-free.
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Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to match your preferences, whether you want to add more veggies, change up the protein, or go vegetarian.
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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge and can be reheated, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
Ingredients
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1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
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2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
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1 cup diced bell peppers
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1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
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Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bowls
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Divide the cooked quinoa mixture evenly into 4 oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
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Top each with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni or sausage (if using).
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and finish with a little grated parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
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Bake the bowls for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni or sausage for a fully vegetarian dish. Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes.
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Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken or tofu crumbles for a plant-based protein option.
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Spicy: For a spicier kick, top with jalapeños or add extra red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the quinoa with cooked brown rice, farro, or couscous. Just make sure the grain you choose is cooked and ready to be topped with the pizza ingredients.
Q2: How can I make this dish spicier?
A2: You can increase the red pepper flakes, add jalapeños to the toppings, or drizzle some hot sauce over the top after baking.
Q3: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
A3: Yes, pizza sauce can be substituted for marinara sauce if you prefer a thicker consistency and more traditional pizza flavor.
Q4: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A4: You can use dairy-free cheese options such as vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese. Just check the packaging for melting properties.
Q5: Can I freeze these quinoa pizza bowls?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the bowls before baking. Assemble the bowls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Q6: How do I prevent the quinoa from becoming too mushy?
A6: Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. Also, avoid overcooking the quinoa to ensure it has the right texture.
Q7: Can I add meat to these bowls?
A7: Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or even grilled chicken to the quinoa mix for additional protein.
Q8: What is the best way to serve this dish?
A8: Serve these quinoa pizza bowls as a main dish or pair them with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls are a fun, healthy twist on traditional pizza, with all the flavors you love but packed into a nutritious bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Customize the toppings to suit your preferences, and enjoy a pizza night with a wholesome twist!
Print
Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fun and healthy twist on pizza, these Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls are loaded with protein-rich quinoa, marinara sauce, veggies, and melted cheese. They’re the perfect way to enjoy pizza night with a gluten-free, nutritious twist!
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Add the Sauce and Seasoning:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the quinoa. Mix well.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the quinoa mixture evenly into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Top with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni or sausage (if using). Sprinkle the bowls with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
Bake:
Place the bowls in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or sausage for a veggie-packed version.
Customize the Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings like spinach, onions, or jalapeños.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
