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Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Pizza Stuffed Peppers are a quick and delicious dinner option featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat or plant-based crumble, pizza sauce, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, these stuffed peppers offer a crispy exterior with gooey, flavorful filling, combining classic pizza ingredients in a nutritious and vibrant presentation perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium to large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 lb ground meat or plant-based crumble
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating edible bowls ready for stuffing.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground meat or your chosen plant-based crumble and cook until browned. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed bell pepper with the cooked filling mixture. Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using, ensuring every bite is melty and savory.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed peppers standing upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the stuffed peppers if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy an unforgettable dinner experience.

Notes

  • Pick medium to large-sized bell peppers for easier stuffing and even cooking.
  • Do not overfill the peppers; leave a small gap to prevent spillage during baking.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added aromatic flavor instead of dried ones at the end.
  • For extra crispness, lightly roast the peppers before stuffing to enhance their flavor and texture.
  • Prepare the filling ahead of time to save time on busy nights and simplify dinner assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, baked stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, vegetarian option, pizza flavors