Ingredients

4 large red or green bell peppers, halved and deseeded

1.5 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 cups pizza sauce, divided

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (or dairy-free cheese)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese)

1/2 cup mini pepperonis

1/2 cup diced onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish and bake unstuffed for 10 minutes.

Step 2 (Optional): To soften peppers faster, boil a large pot of water and cook the peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels before placing them upright in a baking dish.

Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Brown for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 5: Stir in 1 3/4 cups pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper half, gently pressing down to pack. Top each with remaining pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and mini pepperonis.

Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes until peppers are tender.

Step 8: Remove foil and optionally broil the peppers for 1-2 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.

For extra veggies, mix in diced mushrooms or chopped spinach into the beef mixture.

Try swapping mini pepperonis for cooked sausage slices or omit for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Dairy-free cheese can be used to make this recipe suitable for lactose intolerant diets.

Roasting peppers before stuffing ensures they’re tender and reduces baking time.

FAQs

Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the peppers a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best fresh taste and texture.

Can I freeze leftover pizza stuffed peppers?

Absolutely. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.