Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner is a delightful dish that merges the classic flavors of pizza with the wholesome goodness of bell peppers. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the comfort of pizza while keeping things lighter and healthier. Bursting with flavor, color, and texture, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with healthy bell peppers, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This dish is not only fun to eat but also customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite pizza toppings. With a colorful presentation and a cheesy, savory filling, this recipe is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals.
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
Creating this wholesome dish is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome.
Ingredients:
- 400 g white rice
- 4 large red, green, or yellow bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 650 g marinara sauce, divided
- 250 g shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 55 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 g mini pepperoni, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions in a medium saucepan until tender.
Step 2: Prepping the Peppers
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook bell peppers for 12 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mixing the Filling
In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, three-quarters of the marinara sauce, 150 g mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, mini pepperoni, garlic powder, and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Filling and Baking
Arrange cooked peppers in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Fill each pepper with the rice mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and additional mini pepperoni. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 15 to 17 minutes, until filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
Serve the Pizza Stuffed Peppers hot from the oven. For an extra touch, drizzle some additional marinara sauce over the top or sprinkle with more fresh basil. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
You can store leftover Pizza Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 175°C until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze these stuffed peppers in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake until warmed.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
- Choose bell peppers that stand upright to make filling easier.
- Adjust the amount of marinara sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
- Feel free to swap out mini pepperoni for cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even veggies for a vegetarian twist.
- Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor for those who like a bit of heat.
Delicious Variations
To put your own spin on Pizza Stuffed Peppers, consider these variations:
- Vegetable Delight: Substitute meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy version.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in different types of cheese like pepper jack or cheddar.
- Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning and black beans instead of pizza seasoning for a Tex-Mex version.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions for brown rice, as it takes longer to cook. -
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the marinara sauce and any additional toppings are gluten-free, and you can use gluten-free sausage or leave it out entirely. -
Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peppers and filling a day in advance. Just fill the peppers and refrigerate them until ready to bake. -
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
Pizza sauce or a homemade tomato sauce can be excellent substitutions. -
Are these peppers suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They store well and can be reheated, making them perfect for meal prep.
Conclusion
Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner is a delicious and fun way to enjoy classic pizza flavors while incorporating healthy ingredients. With endless customization options and a straightforward cooking process, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. So gather your ingredients, bring your family together, and enjoy creating and munching on these delightful, cheesy stuffed peppers! We hope you give this recipe a try and delight in its vibrant flavors. Happy cooking!
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Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish that merges classic pizza flavors with wholesome bell peppers for a healthier meal option.
Ingredients
- 400 g white rice
- 4 large red, green, or yellow bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 650 g marinara sauce, divided
- 250 g shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 55 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 g mini pepperoni, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions in a medium saucepan until tender.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook bell peppers for 12 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, three-quarters of the marinara sauce, 150 g mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, mini pepperoni, garlic powder, and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange cooked peppers in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Fill each pepper with the rice mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and additional mini pepperoni. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 15 to 17 minutes until filling is hot and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Choose bell peppers that stand upright to make filling easier. Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
