Pizza Stuffed Peppers

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of peppers and pizza flavors, and that’s exactly what inspired me to whip up these Pizza Stuffed Peppers. Imagine a busy weeknight when you’re craving that cheesy, savory delight of pizza but want to keep things on the healthier side. That’s when this dish shines! Packed with vibrant colors and delicious fillings, these peppers take the classic pizza experience to a new level. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, Pizza Stuffed Peppers bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Shopping List for Pizza Stuffed Peppers

When it comes to making Pizza Stuffed Peppers, the ingredients play a pivotal role in achieving that deliciousness. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here are the key players in this delightful dish:

• 6 bell peppers – The base of our dish, vibrant and colorful!
• 1 tablespoon oil – For cooking the filling.
• 1 onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for flavor.
• 1 cup finely diced mushrooms – Adds moisture and a rich texture.
• 1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef – The protein base.
• 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes – For added moisture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings that pizza flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
• pinch red pepper flakes – For an extra kick.
• 1 cup pepperoni, chopped – Classic pizza topping.
• 1 cup fresh spinach – Adds color and nutrients.
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese – The gooey goodness!
• Fresh Basil, sliced – For garnish and freshness.

Recipe Directions for Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Cooking is often a journey of exploration, and making Pizza Stuffed Peppers is no different! It starts off simple, but as you layer flavors and textures, it turns into something special. Let’s dive in:

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that when you place your beautiful peppers inside, they will cook evenly and become tender.
2. Prepare the peppers: Take your bell peppers and remove the top one inch, discarding the stem. With a knife, slice any usable pieces from the top and set them aside. Carefully scrape out the ribs and seeds, making sure to keep the pepper intact. This is your vessel for deliciousness!
3. Place the prepared peppers upright in a baking dish. They should stand tall and proud, waiting to be filled with savory goodness.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the finely diced mushrooms. Cook these until all the moisture has been released, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice a nice, earthy aroma filling your kitchen.
5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together until the onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. This combination creates a fragrant base for your filling.
6. Now, it’s time to add the ground turkey (or beef). Cook this until there’s no pink left, breaking it up with a spatula. This step is crucial for ensuring your filling is fully cooked and flavorful.
7. Once the meat has browned, stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix in the fresh spinach and the chopped pepperoni. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This filling should be bursting with flavor!
8. Carefully spoon the hearty mixture into each prepared pepper, pressing down gently to pack them in. Make sure to fill them generously!
9. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps steam the peppers, making them tender during baking.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they have softened without losing their shape.
11. Remove the foil and preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the tops of the peppers. Place them under the broiler for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This is where the magic happens!
12. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them immediately or allow them to cool completely for meal prep. The choice is yours!

Tips for Success

Cooking is all about trial and error, and I’ve gathered some valuable tips to help you succeed with Pizza Stuffed Peppers:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked peppers for up to 2 months! Just bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• Pairing: Serve these stuffed peppers with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables or different proteins to keep things exciting.
• Garnishing: Top each pepper with fresh basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dish Ideas for Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Pairing Pizza Stuffed Peppers with the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy peppers.
• Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw balances the softness of the stuffed peppers.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies complements the dish and adds more nutrients.
• Rice or Quinoa: A light grain side can round out the meal and make it more filling.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing dessert option after a hearty meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Pizza Stuffed Peppers offer a delightful twist on traditional pizza that everyone loves. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try!

Pizza Stuffed Peppers

The ultimate comfort food, Pizza Stuffed Peppers combine vibrant bell peppers with all your favorite pizza flavors. Stuffed with savory ground meat, melty cheese, and fresh veggies, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, you'll want to make this easy recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 6 pieces Bell Peppers
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• 1 pieces Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Finely Diced Mushrooms
• 1 lb Ground Turkey or Ground Beef
• 1 28 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 cup Pepperoni, chopped
• 1 cup Fresh Spinach
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh Basil to taste Sliced

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that when you place your beautiful peppers inside, they will cook evenly and become tender.
2. Prepare the peppers: Take your bell peppers and remove the top one inch, discarding the stem. With a knife, slice any usable pieces from the top and set them aside. Carefully scrape out the ribs and seeds, making sure to keep the pepper intact. This is your vessel for deliciousness!
3. Place the prepared peppers upright in a baking dish. They should stand tall and proud, waiting to be filled with savory goodness.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, toss in the finely diced mushrooms. Cook these until all the moisture has been released, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. You'll notice a nice, earthy aroma filling your kitchen.
5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together until the onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. This combination creates a fragrant base for your filling.
6. Now, it’s time to add the ground turkey (or beef). Cook this until there's no pink left, breaking it up with a spatula. This step is crucial for ensuring your filling is fully cooked and flavorful.
7. Once the meat has browned, stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix in the fresh spinach and the chopped pepperoni. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This filling should be bursting with flavor!
8. Carefully spoon the hearty mixture into each prepared pepper, pressing down gently to pack them in. Make sure to fill them generously!
9. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps steam the peppers, making them tender during baking.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they have softened without losing their shape.
11. Remove the foil and preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the tops of the peppers. Place them under the broiler for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This is where the magic happens!
12. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them immediately or allow them to cool completely for meal prep. The choice is yours!

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!