Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner

Pizza Stuffed Peppers bring together all the crave-worthy flavors of pizza in a satisfying veggie-forward dinner. Each pepper is filled with a rich mixture of ground beef, pepperoni, marinara, rice, and cheese. It is a crowd-pleaser that makes getting extra vegetables on the table easy and delicious for the whole family.

When I first put this together for a weeknight dinner I was amazed at how much my kids enjoyed it. Now they ask for these stuffed peppers whenever pizza night rolls around.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers: offer vibrant color and natural cups for the filling choose firm peppers with shiny skin
• Olive oil: gives a rich base for sautéing vegetables always use extra virgin for the best flavor
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth to the filling look for onions with tight skin and no soft spots
• Mini pepperonis: bring in classic pizza flavor opt for turkey pepperoni if you want less fat
• Ground beef: gives a savory heartiness aim for 85 percent lean so the filling is juicy but not greasy
• Seasoned salt: boosts overall flavor and ties together the filling make sure it is fresh for the best taste
• Onion powder: amplifies the aromatic base
• Garlic powder: creates subtle sharpness
• Italian seasoning: gives a signature herby pizza flavor try to find a blend with oregano and basil up front
• Marinara sauce: keeps the mixture moist and punchy use one with minimal added sugar for a healthier option
• Mozzarella cheese: offers the essential gooey topping and classic pizza stretch freshly shredded melts best
• Minute rice: rapidly cooks with the filling white or brown both work
• Beef broth: enriches the rice and brings everything together choose a reduced sodium version if you are watching salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Peppers:

Remove the tops from the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Dice any pepper pieces from the tops to add to your filling. Boil the pepper shells in a large pot of water for about five minutes to soften their texture just enough for baking without losing their shape

Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and reserved diced pepper and cook for about four minutes until softened and fragrant. Crumble in the ground beef and cook it thoroughly stirring often until there are no pink spots left. Drain excess fat for a lighter finished dish

Season and Add Pepperoni:

Sprinkle in seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Toss in the mini pepperoni slices and stir well so the spices and pepperoni evenly flavor the beef mixture

Simmer with Sauce Rice and Broth:

Pour in the entire jar of marinara along with the rice and beef broth. Mix the ingredients together and turn the heat to low letting it simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the rice is fully cooked and has soaked up almost all the broth so the mixture is tender but not soupy

Stuff the Peppers and Assemble:

Arrange the parboiled bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper packing tightly for full servings. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a few extra mini pepperonis for a picture perfect finish

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish on the oven’s bottom rack and bake at 350 degrees for up to twenty minutes. Pull them once the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the peppers are fork-tender but still holding their shape

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I absolutely love the mozzarella finish on top of these peppers. One time my youngest asked for extra cheese and now it is a nonnegotiable for us. The best nights are when we all build our own with favorite pizza toppings.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Refrigerate stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat place in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth to keep them moist and bake at 350 until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Any color of bell pepper works so use what you like or have on hand. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist. Use vegetarian pepperoni or skip it for a meatless version. If you do not have Minute Rice cooked long grain rice can stand in but add less broth.

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Serving Suggestions

Top each stuffed pepper with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated parmesan right before serving for extra brightness. Pair with a green salad for a well rounded meal or serve with crusty bread to make it extra comforting.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bell peppers work best?

Any color will work. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness, while green peppers have a more classic, mildly bitter flavor.

→ Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor and protein content.

→ How do I keep peppers from becoming soggy?

Boil the peppers briefly to soften, but don't overcook before baking. This helps them retain structure and prevents sogginess.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Add classic pizza favorites like mushrooms, black olives, diced ham, or sliced jalapeños before baking for extra flavor.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers before baking. Reheat in the oven until thoroughly warmed and cheese is melted.

→ Do I need to cook the rice first?

No, the rice cooks in the filling mixture as it simmers with broth and marinara, absorbing all those flavors.