Instant Pot Pizza Stuffed Peppers
In these Pizza Stuffed Peppers, bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and rice before being cooked in the Instant Pot. This hearty meal takes just 35 minutes to make!
Stuffed peppers got an Italian makeover in this Instant Pot stuffed peppers recipe!
Classic stuffed peppers and unstuffed pepper casserole are typically made with a combination of ground beef, white rice, and tomatoes. To create these pizza stuffed peppers, I tweaked a few of the classic ingredients and added pepperoni, pizza sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
I love using my Instant Pot to make stuffed peppers because it does all of the work for me. The pepperoni and ground beef filling is added to the peppers raw and cooks in the Instant Pot in just 10 minutes!
These stuffed peppers are easy enough to make on a weeknight, but they’re also impressive enough to serve to guests. Serve them with a green salad for a full meal that’s ready in less than 45 minutes!
Ingredients in Pizza Stuffed Peppers
To make these easy stuffed bell peppers in the Instant Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Lean ground beef
- Pepperoni slices
- White onion
- Herbs and spices
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Pizza sauce
- Cooked rice
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Instant Pot stuffed peppers are very simple to make and require minimal prep work. Here’s an overview of how this recipe comes together:
- Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 1/2 cups water. Place peppers onto the trivet, standing upright.
- In a large bowl, combine the raw ground beef, pepperoni, onion, herbs and spices, diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, cooked rice, and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella.
- Spoon the raw meat mixture evenly into the peppers, filling to the top.
- Cover the Instant Pot and place into lock position, and make sure the valve is in the ‘sealing’ position.
- Press the ‘manual’ button and cook for 10 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position and letting steam release until the pin drops.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the tops of each pepper and cover with lid. Let sit or until the cheese is melted.
Can the Ground Beef Be Substituted?
Yes, you’re welcome to substitute the ground beef for ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground Italian sausage. The cook time will remain the same no matter what you use.
Can You Add Extra Pizza Toppings?
Of course! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to the ground beef mixture prior to stuffing the peppers. Diced peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc. can all be added.
Can You Freeze Stuffed Peppers?
Yes, let the cooked peppers cool to room temperature before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and sealing in freezer bags. Alternately, you can store them standing upright in a freezer-safe baking dish that’s been wrapped with plastic wrap and foil.
When ready to eat the frozen stuffed peppers, do not thaw them beforehand. You can reheat them in a 350ºF oven from frozen.
What to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
Pair these Instant Pot pizza stuffed peppers with a simple green salad, or try one of the following sides for stuffed peppers:
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
- Roasted Mushrooms
- Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
- Shaved Asparagus Salad
- Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Tips for Making Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Note that the ground beef mixture is stuffed into the peppers raw. The meat will cook all the way through in the Instant Pot.
- You’ll need to cook the peppers for 10 minutes on “manual.” Remember that the Instant Pot will take an additional 10 minutes to come to pressure.
- I tested this recipe using a 6-quart Instant Pot. I don’t recommend using anything smaller than that.
Looking for More Pizza-Inspired Recipes?
- Pizza Pasta Salad
- One-Pan Pizza Pasta
- Pepperoni Pizza Hamburger Helper
- Slow Cooker Pizza Chili
- Pizza Quesadillas
EASY VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR INSTANT POT PIZZA STUFFED PEPPERS:
Instant Pot Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 8 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds/membranes removed (see note below)
- 1 pound lean ground beef, (or ground Italian sausage)
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices, halved
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of red pepper flakes, (if desired)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 jar (14 ounce) pizza sauce, any kind, (marinara sauce may be used instead)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Place trivet in the bottom of Instant Pot and add 1½ cups water. Place 4 peppers onto trivet, standing upright. Set aside. **4 peppers will only fit in IP at one time, so you may need to cook in batches. Otherwise, if you don't want to use extra peppers, take the leftover ground beef mixture and saute in a skillet until cooked through.**
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pepperoni, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, rice, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly or use clean hands to combine.
- Spoon meat mixture evenly into peppers, filling to the top. Cover and place into lock position, and make sure the valve is in the 'sealing' position. Press the 'manual' button and cook for 10 minutes. **Remember that it will take the IP about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure and then will count down from 10 minutes**
- When the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position and letting steam release until the pin drops. (I like to place a folded kitchen towel over the valve so that it catches the steam.) Ground beef should be cooked through, but you can use a meat thermometer to make sure it reads 165°F.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the tops of each pepper and cover with lid. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with dried oregano, more pepperoni, or black olives, if desired.
Notes
- This recipe was tested and made in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- See my tips and tricks for making these Instant Pot Pizza Stuffed Peppers above the recipe box.
