Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Pizza stuffed peppers are a delicious twist on two classic favorites—pizza and stuffed peppers. Filled with savory pepperoni, mushrooms, and cheesy rice, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 oz. pepperoni slices
• 1 and 1/2 cups pre-cooked rice
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 bell peppers, halved lengthwise
• 1 and ½ cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Once hot, add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes before adding the garlic. Cook for 2 additional minutes.
4. Step 4: Slice the pepperoni in half.
5. Step 5: Add the pepperoni, rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Remove the filling from the heat.
7. Step 7: Halve the peppers and remove the seeds.
8. Step 8: Lay the peppers in a casserole dish, skin side down.
9. Step 9: Fill them evenly with the rice mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper and cover with foil.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25 minutes with the foil on, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra mushrooms or chopped olives.
• Use cooked quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the filling.
• Try different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella blend for varied flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the peppers tender and cheese melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bell peppers?

Yes, any color bell pepper works well. Red, yellow, orange, or green peppers can be used based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, fill the peppers and proceed with baking as directed.

Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 stuffed pepper halves (serves 4) 1x

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Description

These Pizza Stuffed Peppers combine the comforting flavors of pizza with the healthy twist of bell peppers. Filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, pepperoni, pre-cooked rice, and tomato sauce, then topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe makes a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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Filling

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 oz. pepperoni slices
• 1 and 1/2 cups pre-cooked rice
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Peppers & Topping

• 4 bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 and ½ cups mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even baking.
2. Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté together for an additional 2 minutes to release their aroma.
3. Prepare pepperoni and filling: Slice the pepperoni in half for smaller pieces. Add the halved pepperoni, pre-cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all flavors meld beautifully.
4. Prepare the peppers: Meanwhile, halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes to create perfect boats for the filling.
5. Assemble stuffed peppers: Lay the pepper halves skin side down in a casserole dish. Evenly fill each pepper half with the rice and pepperoni mixture. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
6. Bake with foil: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the peppers soften and the filling to heat evenly.
7. Bake without foil: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly and develop a golden, bubbly topping.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove from oven and serve the pizza stuffed peppers hot, perfect as a flavorful and wholesome meal.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked rice to speed up preparation and ensure the filling cooks properly.
• You can substitute pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option (add your favorite veggies instead).
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to spice.
• To make the dish gluten-free, ensure all ingredients and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pizza stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, pepperoni stuffed peppers, mozzarella stuffed peppers, easy dinner, baked stuffed peppers, Italian-inspired recipe