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Low Carb Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

These Low Carb Pizza Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy twist on classic pizza, combining flavorful ground beef, cheese, and pepperonis inside tender bell peppers. Perfect for a low-carb dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Peppers

  • 4 large red or green bell peppers, halved and deseeded

Filling

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 3/4 cups pizza sauce (divided)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (or dairy-free cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperonis
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish and bake unstuffed for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
  2. Optional Quick Softening: Alternatively, boil a large pot of water. Submerge the peppers in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Place upright in a baking dish.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook for approximately 8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Make The Mixture: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add 1 3/4 cups pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  5. Stuff The Peppers: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pre-softened bell pepper, pressing gently to pack it in. Spoon remaining pizza sauce over the mixture in each pepper. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese on top and add mini pepperonis.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Remove foil and optionally broil the stuffed peppers for 1-2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • Using Italian sausage instead of ground beef will add extra flavor.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Boiling the peppers before stuffing is optional but helps reduce overall cooking time.
  • You can customize toppings by adding mushrooms, olives, or different types of cheese.
  • To make the recipe vegetarian, replace meat with a plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables.