Pizza Stuffed Peppers

1. 1
   prep · ~10 min

   Preheat oven and prep the bell peppers.

   1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   2.Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and white ribs.

   3.Arrange pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Set aside.
2. 2
   saute · ~10 min

   Cook the beef filling.

   1.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

   2.Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

   3.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.

   4.Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, 5-6 minutes.

   TIPDrain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the beef to keep the filling from getting greasy.
3. 3
   simmer · ~7 min

   Build the pizza sauce in the skillet.

   1.Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.

   2.Stir well and let simmer until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down, 5 to 7 minutes.

   3.Remove from heat.

   TIPThe sauce should be thick so it doesn't make the peppers watery — cook until most of the liquid evaporates.
4. 4
   assemble · ~5 min

   Stuff the peppers with the beef mixture.

   1.Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the 8 pepper halves, pressing down gently.

   2.Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.

   3.Place 2 pepperoni slices on top of each pepper.
5. 5
   bake · ~20 min

   Bake until bubbly and golden.

   Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots.

6. 6
   garnish

   Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

   Scatter chopped fresh basil over the peppers just before bringing them to the table.

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