Pizza Style Stuffed Peppers

Pizza Style Stuffed Peppers may not be an old fashioned recipe and may not have been something our ancestors ate, but they are absolutely scrumptious and a meal we make often. Stuffed peppers actually dates back to the 1890’s and these delectable bell peppers were often stuffed with rice, chopped meat, vegetables and an array of seasonings. We love making stuffed peppers and make a variety of them! Its an easy way to prepare a delicious meal and a fun way for kids to eat their veggies!

I always cut the peppers in half because I find that they cook quicker, and are much easier to eat! I usually use red, yellow and orange bell peppers because the flavors are much more mellow whereas the green bell peppers tend to have a stronger flavor although, any color tastes amazing in these pizza peppers!

This is a great way to get the family involved in the kitchen and kids love making these stuffed pizza peppers! My daughters always love to help make them! And the best part? Everyone can make the peppers to their liking – just like having a salad bar or taco bar! They also freeze wonderfully (I have included the directions below) and make a great freezer meal for those nights when you are in a hurry to get dinner on the table! You can cook them in the oven, or place them in the crockpot.

Let’s get started!

Cut peppers in half, remove seeds and rinse. Place in a lightly greased casserole dish. I usually allot one pepper (two halves) per person.

Spoon a spoonful of marinara (I use either pasta or pizza sauce – whatever I happen to have on hand), into the pepper. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and then meat of choice. We used pizza salami and pepperoni in ours and often use ham as well. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Then we repeat the layering of sauce, meat and cheese once again. You can also make these vegetarian by adding an assortment of vegetables like mushrooms, onion, sliced peppers, olives, zucchini, carrot and spinach and even veggie crumble.

Once you have your delicious toppings stuffed into the bell pepper halves, place in the oven and bake at 350F for 30 to 45 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly and peppers are done to desired tenderness. I always leave the peppers slightly crunchy since my family does not care for mushy bell peppers!

Serve with a salad. I also tend to serve these peppers with a pasta or pasta salad as well. They go wonderfully with nearly anything!

Pizza Style Stuffed Peppers

3 bell peppers in orange, yellow or red (green is good too but has a stronger flavor) or 1 pepper per person
1 cup of marinara sauce (pasta or pizza sauce) – more may be needed depending on the amount of peppers
1 cup shredded cheese
4 tbsp parmesan cheese
meat of choice like salami, pepperoni, ham and so on – about 4 pieces per pepper half
additional veggies like mushrooms, olives, zucchini, onion and so on

Cut peppers in half, remove seeds and rinse. Place in a lightly greased casserole dish. Spoon a spoonful of marinara sauce into the pepper. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and then meat of choice. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Then repeat the layering of sauce, meat and cheese once again. You can add your favorite veggies as well. You can also make these vegetarian by adding an assortment of vegetables like mushrooms, onion, sliced peppers, olives, zucchini, carrot and spinach and even veggie crumble.
Bake at 350F for 30 to 45 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly and cooked to desired tenderness.

These peppers also freeze great and are an easy way to have dinner on the table quickly when you are in a pinch. Prepare the stuffed peppers and place them in a freezer safe container. Freeze up to 4 months. To cook from frozen, place in a greased casserole dish and cook as directed above.

enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours