High-Protein Pizza Bake: The Ultimate Low-Calorie Comfort Food
Meals
If you're on a weight loss journey or just trying to eat healthier without giving up your favorite comfort foods, you know that balance is key. As someone who lost 100 pounds, I’ve learned how to create high-protein, low-calorie meals that satisfy those cravings while helping me stay on track. One of my favorite go-to recipes is this High-Protein Pizza Bake—it’s hearty, full of flavor, and packed with protein, all while being lower in calories than traditional pizza. Plus, it makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for meal prep and lasts all week!
This pizza bake is basically a pizza in casserole form, and it's loaded with lean ground beef, protein-packed pasta, and a variety of vegetables. Topped with light mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni, this dish is an absolute winner for anyone looking to enjoy pizza flavors without all the carbs and calories. It's not only filling and delicious, but it also keeps you on track with your fitness goals. Let’s get into how to make this mouthwatering high-protein pizza bake!
High-Protein Pizza Bake: Comfort Food That Keeps You on Track
Macros per Serving (Makes 5 servings):
Calories per serving: 490
Protein: 43g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 14g
Ingredients:
For the Bake:
8 oz protein pasta (I used Barilla Protein Rotini—this is a great way to pack in extra protein without compromising texture)
1 lb 95% lean ground beef
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 small white onion, diced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1.5 cups broccoli, steamed (half-cooked)
24 oz tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 cup light mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 slices turkey pepperoni
Cook the Protein Pasta:
Start by cooking 8 oz of protein pasta (I used Barilla Protein Rotini) according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of 95% lean ground beef and 1/2 small diced white onion. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns.
Once the beef starts to cook through, season it with 1 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir to combine the spices and let the meat cook for a few more minutes.
Add the Veggies and Sauce:
Add in the 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and 1.5 cups of half-cooked broccoli to the skillet. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
Stir in 24 oz of tomato-basil pasta sauce, mixing everything together well. Let this cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked protein pasta to the skillet and give everything a good mix. You want the pasta to absorb some of that flavorful sauce. Once it’s evenly combined, transfer everything into a baking dish (a 9x13-inch dish works well).
Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded light mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Arrange the 12 slices of turkey pepperoni on top of the cheese, adding a little extra flavor and that classic pizza topping texture.
Bake the Pizza Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let the pizza bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and be easier to cut into servings.
Enjoy your high-protein, low-calorie pizza bake!
Meal Prep Safety Tips & Storage:
Storage: This high-protein pizza bake is great for meal prep. Once it’s cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze individual servings for up to 1-2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat.
Reheating Tips: To reheat this pizza bake, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until it’s heated through. This dish reheats beautifully and stays moist and flavorful.
Safety Tips for Meal Prep: Cool before storing: Let the pizza bake cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer. This will help prevent moisture buildup and keep it fresh longer. If you’re making a large batch and plan to freeze it, portion it out into individual servings for easy reheating throughout the week.
Additional Notes & Customizations:
Protein Variations: If you're not a fan of ground beef, you can swap it for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based option. For a vegetarian version, simply double the veggies or use lentils for a protein-packed substitute.
Low-Carb Version: To make this pizza bake low-carb or keto, you can swap the protein pasta for shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. This will lower the carb count while still keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
Extra Toppings: If you want to add extra veggies, feel free to toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or even olives for added flavor and nutrition. You can also add fresh basil after baking for a burst of freshness.
Dairy-Free Version: To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap the light mozzarella cheese for a vegan cheese that melts well. There are some great options available that can give you that cheesy texture and flavor without the dairy.
Conclusion:
This High-Protein Pizza Bake is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of pizza while sticking to their fitness goals. With lean ground beef, protein pasta, and a variety of fresh vegetables, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. And the best part? It’s lower in calories than traditional pizza but still gives you that comforting pizza experience.
Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or a healthy weeknight dinner, this bake is easy to make and packed with protein, keeping you full and fueled for hours. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey or just looking for a healthier pizza alternative, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it—I’d love to see your versions! Enjoy! 🍕✨