Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers

### Instructions for Making Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers

#### 1. **Prepare the Bell Peppers**
Start by washing the bell peppers and cutting off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes inside, creating hollow pockets to stuff. If needed, slice a small bit off the bottom to help them stand upright, but be careful not to cut through the bottom.

Drizzle a little **olive oil** over the peppers and season with a pinch of **salt and pepper**. Set them aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Ground Meat**
In a large skillet, heat a little **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground turkey** (or your choice of protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add **Italian seasoning**, **garlic powder**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Stir to combine, and cook for another minute or two to let the flavors develop.

#### 3. **Stuff the Peppers**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Spoon the cooked meat mixture into each bell pepper until it’s well-packed. You can fill them generously.

Pour **pizza sauce** over the stuffed peppers, then sprinkle with **shredded mozzarella cheese**. Add any additional toppings you like, such as **pepperoni slices**, **sliced olives**, or other pizza favorites like **mushrooms** or **onions**.

#### 4. **Bake the Stuffed Peppers**
Place the stuffed peppers on a baking dish and cover them loosely with **aluminum foil**. Bake in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh **basil** or **parsley** for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve your **Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers** hot, and enjoy the perfect combination of pizza-inspired flavors with a healthy twist!

### Tips for the Best Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers

– **Customize Your Toppings**: The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Add your favorite pizza toppings like **sautéed mushrooms**, **onions**, **green peppers**, or even **pineapple** for a sweet twist.
– **Make it Vegetarian**: If you’re vegetarian, swap out the meat for **veggie crumbles**, **lentils**, or even **tofu**. The stuffing will still be delicious and hearty.
– **Use Homemade Pizza Sauce**: If you have time, making your own pizza sauce is easy and enhances the flavor. Just combine **tomato paste**, **garlic**, **olive oil**, **oregano**, and **basil** for a quick homemade sauce.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, simply pop them in the oven to bake.
– **Add a Crunch**: For extra texture, sprinkle some **parmesan cheese** or **crushed breadcrumbs** on top of the cheese before baking.

### Why Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers Are a Must-Try

**Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers** are a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of pizza without the guilt. They’re loaded with vegetables, protein, and cheese, making them a wholesome and satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner, a healthier pizza alternative, or simply a delicious and filling dish, these stuffed peppers check all the boxes.

By swapping out the pizza crust for bell peppers, you get a flavorful, low-carb, and nutrient-packed meal that won’t weigh you down. This recipe also offers endless customization options, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

So the next time you’re craving pizza but want to try something new, give **Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers** a try. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick bake time, you’ll be enjoying a pizza-inspired meal in no time!