**Stuffed Bell Peppers with Pizza-Inspired Filling**
Welcome to a delightful spin on a time-tested favourite – the stuffed bell peppers, packed with enticing pizza-inspired components. This unique dish is just the thing for a fulfilling family dinner or a flavour-packed lunch.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
**Why Make This Recipe**
Bell peppers are not merely a colourful addition to your meal but also loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Combining them with the timeless charm of pizza specifics results in a dish that is not just wholesome but extremely delicious. This recipe is also very flexible and can be customised according to everyone’s taste just like a pizza!
**How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Pizza-Inspired Filling**
**Ingredients**
– 4 large bell peppers (any colour), halved and seeded
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or your favourite pizza toppings (like mushrooms, olives, or onions)
– 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Directions**
1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a big bowl, unify cooked quinoa or rice, pizza sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir them well.
3. Place the bell pepper halves in your prepared baking dish. Each half should be filled with the pizza filling, gently pressed down to solidify it.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each filled pepper half. Cover it loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil then bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let it cool down slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
**How To Serve**
Serve the delicious Pizza-inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers warm, right out from the oven just like you serve traditional pizzas!
**How To Store**
Thanks to their hardy nature, the stuffed bell peppers can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
**Tips To Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Pizza-Inspired Filling**
For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes into the stuffing. You can also add more vegetables, like corn and tomatoes, to make it healthier.
**FAQs**
Q1: Can I use any type of quinoa or rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of quinoa or rice to make this recipe according to your preference.
Q2: Can I make these stuffed bell peppers without the pizza toppings?
Yes, if you’re not a huge fan of pizza toppings or if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can easily omit the pizza toppings.
Q3: Can I freeze the stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.