These Easy Pizza Stuffed Peppers are a fun twist on traditional pizza! They are filled with all your favorite pizza toppings like cheese, sauce, and pepperoni.
You’ll love how colorful and tasty they are! 🍕 They make a perfect meal or snack, plus they’re easy to whip up—just stuff, bake, and enjoy, no crust needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Any color works! I love using red or yellow for their sweetness. Green peppers are a bit more bitter but still good. If you’re watching carbs, you could also use zucchini boats instead.
Ground Meat: Ground beef or Italian sausage adds heartiness. If you’re a vegetarian, try using lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can skip it altogether if you want a lighter dish!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for its melting goodness. Feel free to mix it up with cheddar or provolone. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought marinara works well, but making your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs is simple! You can also use pesto for a twist on flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Peppers are Tender?
Making sure your peppers are tender by baking them properly is crucial to enjoy the dish fully. Here’s how:
- Trimming the bottom of peppers is important, as it helps them stand upright.
- Covering with foil in the first half of baking helps steam them.
- Check for doneness by gently piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy!
If you want even softer peppers, you can pre-cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes before stuffing.
Easy Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or diced cooked ham
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes to have these delicious pizza stuffed peppers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppers:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, cut the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. If they need help standing up, you can trim a little from the bottom.
2. Season the Peppers:
Lightly drizzle some olive oil inside the hollowed-out peppers and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (if you’re using it) with the marinara sauce and the dried Italian seasoning. This will be the delicious filling for your peppers!
4. Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon a little of the meat sauce mixture into the bottom of each pepper. Then, add a layer of pepperoni or ham for flavor, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. If you like, throw in some black olives here too!
5. Layer it Up:
If there’s space left in the peppers, repeat the layering process until they’re full, remembering to finish with a nice layer of cheese on top!
6. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to help them steam and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let them bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, give your pizza stuffed peppers a few minutes to cool down, then dig in! They make for a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor!
Enjoy your comforting, easy-to-make pizza stuffed peppers! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are traditional, you can use other varieties like poblano or Anaheim peppers for a spicier kick. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly with different peppers.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Peppers Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and replace it with diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also add cooked quinoa or lentils for protein and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Stuffed Peppers?
The best way to reheat stuffed peppers is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the peppers with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the peppers’ texture and flavor! You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become softer.
