Pizza Peppers
Flavorful stuffed green peppers filled with Italian sausage, tomatoes, rice, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal that combines savory and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off tops of green peppers and remove seeds.
- Cook peppers in boiling, salted water to cover for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned.
- Add chopped tomatoes, water, rice, oregano, and Italian seasoning to the skillet; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and mixture is thickened.
- Stuff the cooked peppers with the sausage and rice mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of stuffed peppers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage while cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with cooked lentils or a plant-based sausage. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for added protein. For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with a side of Italian Pepperoni Cheese Puffs for a fun appetizer. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a warm bowl of minestrone soup or a slice of your favorite Italian bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Peppers contains roughly 436 calories, with 23g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), iron (213% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 44g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What can I use instead of Mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can substitute it with provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well to achieve that gooey, bubbly top.
How do I prevent the peppers from being too soggy?
To avoid soggy peppers, make sure to drain them well after boiling and consider baking them uncovered. You can also reduce the amount of water you use in the stuffing mixture or pre-cook the rice to ensure it doesn't absorb too much moisture during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).