Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers bring together everything you love about pizza – without the crust! Stuffed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, and plenty of cheese, each bite is packed with pizza flavor. Ideal for those following a low-carb diet, this dish can also be customized with different toppings and meats. Let’s break down the ingredients and instructions for making this mouthwatering, protein-packed meal.

Preparation Tips

1. Choose Firm Bell Peppers: Firm, large bell peppers work best for stuffing. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness, while green peppers provide a more savory flavor.
2. Pre-Cook the Peppers: To ensure the peppers are tender by the end of baking, consider pre-baking them for about 10 minutes before stuffing.
3. Mix of Meats: For the best texture and flavor, use a combination of meats like ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni. You can substitute or add in other favorite meats such as cooked bacon or ham.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash the bell peppers, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
3. Pre-bake the peppers in the oven for 10 minutes. This step helps soften the peppers slightly so they finish baking at the same time as the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
5. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and add red pepper flakes for spice if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Peppers

1. Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven. Carefully spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
2. Top each pepper with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Return the baking dish with the stuffed peppers to the oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can broil the peppers for the last 2-3 minutes – just be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color.
3. Serve hot, with extra pizza sauce on the side if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers can be served as a hearty main course or even as an appetizer if you use smaller peppers. Here are a few side ideas that pair well with this dish:

1. Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness of the stuffed peppers.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for those not watching carbs – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make great low-carb sides.
4. Cauliflower Rice: For a keto-friendly side, serve these stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice or a light veggie stir-fry.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetarian sausage crumbles. Add extra veggies like black olives or artichokes for flavor.
2. Spicy Meat Lovers: Use spicy Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
3. Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for extra depth.
4. Meat Choices: Swap or add different meats like Canadian bacon, pancetta, or even prosciutto for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Mini Peppers for This Recipe?
   • Yes! Using mini bell peppers is a great option for appetizers or party snacks. Just reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.
2. Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers Ahead of Time?
   • Definitely. Prepare the peppers up to the baking step and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
3. What Type of Pizza Sauce Should I Use?
   • You can use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce, whichever you prefer. Opt for a low-sugar pizza sauce if you’re watching carbs, or add extra seasonings like oregano and basil to boost flavor.
4. Are These Peppers Keto-Friendly?
   • Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits well with keto and low-carb diets, as it uses bell peppers instead of a pizza crust.
5. Can I Add Other Toppings Like a Pizza?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add classic pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or even green peppers to the filling. Just ensure they’re chopped finely so they cook evenly with the meats.

Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers offer a fun and flavorful twist on both stuffed peppers and pizza. With each pepper packed full of savory meats, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a wonderful option for anyone craving pizza without the carbs and a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a meat-lovers pizza in a low-carb form. Try these for your next dinner, and let the pizza lovers in your life indulge guilt-free! Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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These Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers bring together everything you love about pizza – without the crust! Stuffed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, and plenty of cheese, each bite is packed with pizza flavor. Ideal for those following a low-carb diet, this dish can also be customized with different toppings and meats. Let’s break down the ingredients and instructions for making this mouthwatering, protein-packed meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
   
2. Prepare Peppers:
   Place the bell pepper halves cut-side up in the baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
   
3. Cook the Meat Mixture:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
   Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and mini pepperoni slices. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
   
5. Assemble the Stuffed Peppers:
   Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously. Top each pepper with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   
6. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Add More Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like black olives, mushrooms, or onions.

Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.