Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers – I prefer red or yellow for their sweetness and bright presentation.; 200 g ground beef – Use fresh (lean beef for the best flavor and less grease.); 100 g Italian sausage – Adds rich (herby flavor; remove casing if needed.); 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce – Homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Grate fresh mozzarella for the creamiest melt.; 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp contrast to the mozzarella.; 50 g pepperoni slices – Thin slices work better for even distribution.; 1 small onion (finely chopped – Provides a mild sweetness when cooked.); 2 cloves garlic (minced – Fresh garlic adds punchy flavor.); 1 tsp dried oregano – Essential for authentic pizza taste.; 1 tsp dried basil – Complements oregano and enhances aroma.; Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go.; 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps sauté the meat and veggies evenly.

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I have to admit, the first time I made this meat lovers pizza stuffed peppers Recipe, I was hooked instantly. The combination of juicy bell peppers stuffed with all my favorite pizza toppings is pure comfort food heaven, just like dishes such as Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe that deliver rich, cheesy satisfaction.

I love how each bite bursts with melted cheese, savory meats, and a hint of tomato sauce. Making this recipe at home is easier than it seems, and it fills the house with the most amazing aroma. Once I tried it, I knew I had to make it a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious stuffed peppers. I’ve included some tips that I’ve learned from my own kitchen experiments to make them even better.

4 large bell peppers – I prefer red or yellow for their sweetness and bright presentation.
200g ground beef – Use fresh, lean beef for the best flavor and less grease.
100g Italian sausage – Adds rich, herby flavor; remove casing if needed.
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce – Homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Grate fresh mozzarella for the creamiest melt.
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp contrast to the mozzarella.
50g pepperoni slices – Thin slices work better for even distribution.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Provides a mild sweetness when cooked.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds punchy flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano – Essential for authentic pizza taste.
1 tsp dried basil – Complements oregano and enhances aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go.
1 tbsp olive oil – Helps sauté the meat and veggies evenly.

Note: several servings depending on pepper size and appetite.

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: Swap mozzarella and cheddar for vegan cheese.
Low-carb: Use mini bell peppers or remove sauce for a leaner option.
Extra spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Flavor boost: Include mushrooms, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes in the filling.
Vegetarian twist: Replace meat with seasoned lentils or plant-based sausage.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Oven – To roast the peppers and melt the cheese perfectly.
Frying pan – For sautéing the meat and veggies.
Mixing bowl – To combine all your ingredients evenly.
Knife & chopping board – Essential for prepping the peppers and toppings.
Spoon – To fill the peppers with the delicious mixture.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Prepare the Bell Peppers

Start by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing seeds and membranes. I like to rinse them quickly under water to ensure they’re completely clean. This creates a perfect vessel for the filling.

Cook the Meat Mixture

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil for that classic pizza flavor.

Combine Ingredients

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and half of your shredded cheese. I always taste the mixture to adjust seasoning before stuffing the peppers—it makes a huge difference.

Stuff the Peppers

Use a spoon to fill each pepper generously with the meat and cheese mixture. Don’t pack them too tightly, or they might overflow while baking.

Bake the Peppers

Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. I love adding fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor, and you can also enjoy similar bold dishes like Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe when planning a flavorful dinner spread.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some tricks I’ve learned from experience:

I always toast the peppers in the oven for 5 minutes before stuffing to soften them slightly.
Mixing mozzarella with cheddar gives a perfect gooey yet flavorful topping.
Don’t overfill the peppers—leaving a little space prevents spills while baking.
I like using fresh herbs on top for color and extra taste.
Using a metal baking dish helps the bottoms cook evenly and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These stuffed peppers make a vibrant, hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Serve them on a large platter, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. You can pair them with garlic bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal. I sometimes drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic glaze on top for a sweet tangy finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per stuffed pepper (depending on size and filling):

Calories: 350-400 kcal – Perfectly indulgent yet filling.
Protein: 25g – Thanks to the combination of beef, sausage, and cheese.
Carbohydrates: 12g – Mainly from bell peppers and sauce.
Fat: 22g – Rich but balanced with lean meat and fresh veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating: These stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let them cool completely before covering to preserve texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked stuffed peppers individually wrapped in foil or freezer-safe containers. They last up to 2 months and reheat well.
Reheating: I like to reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to keep the cheese melty and the peppers tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe has become one of my favorites:

Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it stress-free.
Versatile: Can be made vegetarian, keto-friendly, or dairy-free.
Flavor-packed: Combines savory meats, melted cheese, and herbs in every bite.
Impressive presentation: These peppers look beautiful on the plate, perfect for guests.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice, cheese, or meat combinations to your taste.

Ash Tyrrell