Pizza Stuffed Peppers
A delicious low-carb twist on pizza! These Pizza Stuffed Peppers are packed with savory Italian sausage, zesty marinara, and melted mozzarella, all baked inside tender bell peppers. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and easy to make.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Pre-bake the Peppers
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- c.Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise through the stem. Remove the seeds and white membranes.
- d.Place the pepper halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- e.Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they begin to soften. This step ensures the peppers will be tender.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Filling
- b.While the peppers are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.
- d.Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it softens.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Filling Ingredients
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Stir the marinara sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the chopped pepperoni, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the sausage mixture.
- c.Continue to stir for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stuff and Bake the Peppers
- b.Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven. Carefully spoon the pizza filling evenly into each pepper half, mounding it slightly.
- c.Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and a few extra pepperoni slices if desired.
- d.Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are fully tender and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Garnish
- b.Let the pizza stuffed peppers rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows them to set up and makes them easier to handle.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if using, and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crisp-tender pepper, you can skip the pre-baking step and bake the stuffed peppers for 25-30 minutes total.
- 2Don't skip draining the grease from the sausage. This prevents the filling from becoming oily.
- 3Use a mix of colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) for a visually appealing and slightly sweeter dish.
- 4For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- 5If your pepper halves are wobbly, slice a very thin layer off the bottom to create a stable base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the Italian sausage with 1 pound of chopped mushrooms and zucchini, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
SpicySpicy
Use hot Italian sausage and add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.
SupremeSupreme
Add 1/2 cup of your favorite pizza toppings to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or diced green peppers.
Different CheeseDifferent Cheese
Swap the mozzarella for a provolone or an Italian cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and various antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and protect cells from damage.
High in Protein
The combination of Italian sausage and cheese provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Lower in Carbohydrates
By using bell peppers as the 'crust', this recipe offers a satisfying pizza flavor with significantly fewer carbohydrates than traditional pizza, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving (two stuffed pepper halves) contains approximately 580-620 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the sausage and the type of cheese.