Keto Pizza Stuffed Peppers (Low-Carb & High Protein Dinner)

Keto Pizza Stuffed Peppers (Low-Carb & High Protein Dinner)

Satisfy your pizza cravings with these easy and delicious Keto Pizza Stuffed Peppers! Halved bell peppers are loaded with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, a rich low-carb tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly. A perfect low-carb, high-protein meal ready in under an hour!

Yields: 2 servings (2 stuffed pepper halves per serving) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large green bell peppers
• 8 ounces ground mild Italian sausage (cooked and drained)
• ½ cup pepperoni, chopped
• 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara, or other brand with no added sugar; check label for net carbs)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil (for skillet/baking dish)

Equipment:

• 10-12 inch cast iron skillet or an equivalent oven-safe baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut each green bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and stem. Lightly spray your cast iron skillet or baking dish with olive oil spray. Place the 4 bell pepper halves, cut-side up, in the skillet/dish.
2. Cook Sausage (if not pre-cooked): If your Italian sausage is not already cooked, brown it in a separate skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
3. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained Italian sausage, chopped pepperoni, ¾ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the low-carb tomato sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Stuff Peppers: Using a spoon, evenly distribute the prepared sausage and tomato mixture into each of the bell pepper halves, filling them generously.
5. Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp (or softer, to your preference), the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil immediately after removing from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Low-Carb Tomato Sauce is Key: This is crucial for keeping the carb count down. Always check the nutrition label for added sugars. Brands like Rao’s Homemade Marinara are excellent low-carb options.
• Sausage Check: Ensure your Italian sausage doesn’t contain added sugars or fillers if you’re strictly tracking carbs.
• Softer Peppers: If you prefer very soft peppers, you can par-bake the empty bell pepper halves for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
• Customization:
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to the filling for more Italian flavor.
  • Try different cheese blends (e.g., provolone, Parmesan).
  • Add other keto-friendly pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños to the filling.

Storage: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

This “Pizza Stuffed Peppers” recipe is a fantastic, flavorful, and amazing!

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese are all excellent protein sources, making this meal very satisfying and beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb, provided you use a genuinely low-carb tomato sauce (no added sugar). Bell peppers are low-carb vegetables.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided you use a low-carb, no-sugar-added tomato sauce and ensure your Italian sausage does not contain hidden sugars or fillers.
  • Bell Peppers, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Basil: All are core keto staples.
  • Low-Carb Tomato Sauce: This is the most critical ingredient to check for hidden sugars.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your Italian sausage and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.