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Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

Enjoy a flavorful and easy dinner with these Pizza Stuffed Peppers. Large bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and cheeses, then baked until bubbly and delicious. Perfect for a low-calorie meal that satisfies pizza cravings with a nutritious twist.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Rice Mixture

  • 400 g white rice
  • 3/4 of 650 g marinara sauce (approximately 488 g)
  • 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 55 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 100 g mini pepperoni
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Peppers and Topping

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), tops removed and seeds discarded
  • Remaining marinara sauce (approximately 162 g)
  • 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining)
  • Extra mini pepperoni for garnish (amount as desired)

Instructions

  1. Cook Rice: Cook the white rice according to the package instructions in a medium saucepan until tender and fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Peppers: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the whole bell peppers for about 12 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with three-quarters of the marinara sauce, 150 g shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, 100 g mini pepperoni, garlic powder, and chopped fresh basil. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Stuff Peppers: Arrange the cooked peppers upright in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Fill each pepper generously with the prepared rice and pepperoni mixture, packing the filling evenly.
  5. Add Toppings: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with extra mini pepperoni slices to enhance flavor and appearance.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the baking dish with stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the filling is hot throughout, and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Notes

  • Feel free to add more vegetables to the rice mixture for added nutrition, such as diced mushrooms, onions, or spinach.
  • This recipe can be customized by substituting mini pepperoni with other proteins like cooked ground beef or turkey for variety.
  • For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture before stuffing the peppers.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/pizza-stuffed-peppers-recipe/