These Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food with a low-carb twist. Packed with savory sausage, crispy pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese, each pepper is a perfect bite of pizza without the carbs. It’s the ideal meal for anyone on a keto diet or looking to indulge in pizza flavors while keeping things healthy.
Whether you’re hosting a keto-friendly dinner or just craving a low-carb pizza alternative, these stuffed peppers will not disappoint. The combination of spicy sausage, savory pepperoni, and tangy marinara sauce brings all the best pizza flavors to your plate, while the fresh basil garnish adds the perfect finishing touch.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 large bell peppers
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1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
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1/2 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
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1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and hollow out the insides.
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In a skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is heated through.
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Stuff the bell peppers with the sausage and pepperoni mixture, pressing gently to pack them in.
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Top each stuffed pepper with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
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Remove foil, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Low-Carb Recipes?
Low-carb diets have become increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and better heart health. By reducing the intake of high-carbohydrate foods, the body starts to burn fat for fuel instead of sugar, which can lead to a reduction in overall body fat. This approach also helps regulate insulin levels, making it especially beneficial for people with diabetes or those looking to prevent it.
Choosing low-carb recipes like Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also satisfies those who crave the taste of comfort food without the carb overload. This recipe allows you to enjoy a pizza-like experience while keeping things light and healthy.
The Benefits of the Ingredients in This Recipe
The beauty of this dish lies in the thoughtful choice of ingredients that deliver on flavor without compromising on your health goals. Bell peppers serve as a perfect low-carb vessel for the flavorful filling. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system. The peppers also provide fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Italian sausage is a great source of protein and healthy fats, both of which are important components of the keto diet. When combined with pepperoni, you get a satisfying and flavorful base for the dish. Pepperoni adds a savory, salty bite that pairs perfectly with the richness of the sausage.
Marinara sauce is typically used in this dish, but choosing a sugar-free variety makes it suitable for those on a low-carb or keto diet. Many store-bought marinara sauces are packed with added sugars, so opting for a sugar-free version ensures you’re not adding unnecessary carbs to your meal. Additionally, the use of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses not only brings the dish together with a gooey, cheesy topping but also provides calcium and protein.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Keto Diets
The keto diet emphasizes the consumption of high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate foods. This recipe fits perfectly within those guidelines. The sausage, pepperoni, and cheeses provide the necessary fats and proteins, while the bell peppers keep the carb count low. By swapping out pizza dough or a traditional pizza crust for bell peppers, this dish is an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It satisfies pizza cravings without derailing your progress on the diet.
Additionally, the combination of protein and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy throughout the day. This dish won’t spike your insulin levels like a regular pizza would, making it a healthier alternative for people looking to maintain balanced energy levels.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some creative variations to consider:
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Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian or just want a meatless option, you can substitute the sausage and pepperoni with grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. These vegetables will provide a similar texture and flavor to the sausage while still keeping the dish satisfying.
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Spicy Version: Add extra heat by incorporating spicy sausage, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes into the stuffing. This variation is perfect for those who love a little kick in their food.
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Cheese Lovers’ Version: For an even cheesier experience, you can add extra layers of cheese to the filling or sprinkle additional Parmesan and mozzarella on top before baking. If you’re a fan of creamy cheese, consider adding some ricotta or cream cheese into the stuffing mixture for a rich, indulgent filling.
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Dairy-Free Version: If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can easily substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives. Look for vegan cheese that melts well and has a similar texture to dairy cheese.
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Adding Herbs and Spices: For an extra burst of flavor, you can experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the stuffing. These herbs will complement the Italian flavors of the sausage and pepperoni while adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time
If you’re looking to save time during the week, this recipe can be easily prepped in advance. You can prepare the sausage and pepperoni filling, stuff the peppers, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an ideal option for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it reheats wonderfully. After baking, the stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. This makes it a perfect leftover dish that doesn’t lose any of its flavor.
Pairing This Dish with Other Foods
While the Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers are delicious on their own, they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete keto meal, consider serving them with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and energized.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent side, try serving these stuffed peppers with a side of creamy mashed cauliflower. This dish offers the same comforting texture as mashed potatoes without the carbs, making it a great accompaniment to the stuffed peppers.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe
The Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers are a perfect example of how you can enjoy your favorite flavors without compromising your health goals. This recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile, making it easy to customize to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a keto diet, trying to reduce your carb intake, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, these stuffed peppers will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and nutritious.
The combination of savory sausage, crispy pepperoni, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese is irresistible, and the bell pepper base provides the perfect vessel for this mouthwatering filling. This dish is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
So, if you’re in the mood for a low-carb, pizza-inspired meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, give these Low-Carb Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers a try. Your taste buds will thank you!