Description
Creamy Pizza Stuffed Peppers combine the comforting flavors of classic pizza with vibrant bell peppers for a family-friendly, easy-to-make meal. Packed with gooey mozzarella, creamy cheese, savory marinara, and your choice of protein, this dish offers a delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers that’s quick to prepare and customizable for any dietary preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage) or plant-based protein alternative
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese or ricotta, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil blend)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup diced pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create perfect little boats ready to be filled.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions until fragrant and translucent. Add your choice of ground meat or plant-based protein, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is creamy, rich, and well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each pepper half with the savory filling, packing it in to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings you prefer, such as mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni. Place the peppers on a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm bell peppers without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overfill the peppers to avoid spills and allow cheese to melt evenly.
- Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest texture, but light variants can be used for a leaner version.
- For moist peppers, cover them with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Allow the stuffed peppers to rest a few minutes after baking, making them easier to handle and letting flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg