Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features tender bell peppers filled with a savory blend of ground beef, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and fluffy rice. The filling is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey finish. The peppers are parboiled to soften slightly before baking, ensuring a perfect tender bite without sogginess. This easy-to-prepare meal combines classic pizza flavors inside fresh bell peppers, offering a colorful and satisfying dinner that’s fully customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that helps incorporate vegetables along with protein and hearty ingredients in one dish. Simple prep, family-friendly flavor, and an oven-baked finish make these stuffed peppers a comforting yet fresh choice for any occasion.

A chef in a kitchen preparing food.
Created by Olivia Olivia
Last modified on Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:57:45 GMT
Hamburger steaks in brown gravy. Save
Hamburger steaks in brown gravy. | cuisineandlife.com

Enjoy hearty hamburger steaks perfectly seasoned and cooked until golden brown, then gently simmered in a savory brown gravy enriched with onions and baby bella mushrooms. Each juicy beef patty absorbs flavors from Worcestershire sauce, onion, and garlic powders, mingling beautifully with the velvety sauce. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying and comforting main dish that embodies classic American home-cooked flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings, this dish layers textures and deep, robust taste in every bite.

I first made this recipe for Sunday supper and watched my family scrape up every last bit of gravy. Since then we have called it the best kind of stick to your ribs food and it never disappoints.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose eighty to eightyfive percent lean for juiciness and rich flavor
  • Olive oil: helps sear the patties and softens the onions and mushrooms
  • Yellow onion: use both finely diced for the meat and sliced for the gravy for stronger flavor and sweetness
  • Baby bella mushrooms: bring an earthy depth and meaty texture
  • Onion powder: boosts savory notes especially important if you want restaurantlevel taste
  • Garlic powder: balances the beef with subtle warmth look for fresh pure powder
  • Salt and black pepper: just enough to highlight everything pick freshly ground pepper for best flavor
  • Worcestershire sauce: gives a savory punch and classic steakhouse undertone
  • Instant brown gravy mix: shortcut for creamy rich sauce try different brands for your favorite balance of flavor
  • Water: makes the gravy silky and just the right consistency filtered is best if possible

Instructions

Mix the Gravy:
In a large bowl whisk instant gravy packets with water until completely smooth with no lumps. Set aside so it is ready to pour in later
Season and Shape the Patties:
Place ground beef finely diced onions onion powder garlic powder Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper into another mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to fold the mixture together evenly but do not overwork or the patties can get tough
Form the Patties:
Gently shape the beef mixture into five even sized patties pressing together just enough to hold their shape
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Stir occasionally for three to four minutes until they are softened and starting to brown on the edges. Scoot the veggies to one side so you have space for the patties
Brown the Patties:
Place patties into the pan beside the mushrooms and onions. Let them sear without moving for four to five minutes then flip and cook the other side until the centers reach a safe one hundred sixtyfive degrees. Searing locks in juices and creates that flavorpacked crust
Drain and Add Gravy:
If you see extra grease in the pan carefully drain it off. Keep the skillet over medium heat. Pour in the gravy and stir gently mixing in the onions mushrooms and drippings. Stir often until the gravy thickens and coats the patties
Serve:
Transfer patties and plenty of gravy over your favorite starch and spoon extra onions and mushrooms on top. Eat while hot for the best experience
Hamburger steaks with brown gravy.
Hamburger steaks with brown gravy. | cuisineandlife.com

The mushrooms soak up the gravy making every bite even better. My favorite part is spooning extra onions and gravy on my mash the taste reminds me of family reunions where every skillet got scraped clean.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let everything cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the gravy. For freezing let the hamburger steaks and gravy cool then wrap them well or use a freezersafe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap baby bella mushrooms for white button or omit if preferred. Worcestershire sauce can be switched for a splash of soy sauce and a touch of balsamic for a different twist. For a glutenfree option pick gravy mixes that are certified glutenfree.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines over buttery mashed potatoes but is also wonderful over fluffy rice or tender egg noodles. For a lighter option serve with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds bright color and a fresh note.

Hamburger steaks with brown gravy.
Hamburger steaks with brown gravy. | cuisineandlife.com

Serve hot with mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy lunch.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of bell peppers work best?

Any color bell pepper works well. Red, yellow, and orange add sweetness, while green peppers offer a classic, slightly bitter flavor.

→ Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives that change the flavor and protein content.

→ How do I prevent peppers from becoming soggy?

Parboil the peppers briefly to soften them without overcooking before baking. This helps them hold their shape and avoids sogginess.

→ What toppings can I add to enhance flavor?

Classic pizza additions like mushrooms, black olives, diced ham, or sliced jalapeños can be added before baking for extra taste.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze stuffed peppers before baking. Reheat in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

→ Do I need to cook the rice separately?

No, the rice cooks within the filling mixture as it simmers with broth and marinara, absorbing plenty of flavor.

Pizza Stuffed Peppers Dinner

Bell peppers filled with ground beef, pepperoni, rice, marinara, and mozzarella baked to cheesy perfection.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created by Olivia: Olivia

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Style of Cuisine: American

Serves: 5 How Many Servings (Five hamburger steaks)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Needed

→ Beef Patties

01 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
02 0.5 cup finely diced yellow onion
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 0.5 teaspoon salt
07 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Brown Gravy and Vegetables

08 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 0.75 cup sliced yellow onion
10 1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms
11 2 packets instant brown gravy mix
12 2 cups water

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk instant brown gravy mix with water until smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.

Step 02

In another bowl, combine ground beef, finely diced onions, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated without overworking.

Step 03

Shape the beef mixture into five equal-sized patties, pressing lightly to maintain form.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Push to one side of the skillet.

Step 05

Place patties in the skillet beside the vegetables. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to form a crust. Flip and cook the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 06

Drain excess grease from skillet if needed. Reduce heat to medium. Pour prepared gravy into skillet, stirring gently to combine with vegetables and drippings. Cook until gravy thickens and coats patties.

Step 07

Arrange patties on plates and spoon gravy with onions and mushrooms over them. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Helpful Hints

  1. Searing the patties undisturbed develops a flavorful crust and retains juiciness.
  2. Whisk instant gravy thoroughly before adding to avoid lumps.
  3. Taste gravy before serving; adjust with additional Worcestershire sauce or salt if desired.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Details

Check ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains soy (Worcestershire sauce and gravy mix)

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These nutrition figures are for guidance only and don’t replace advice from a medical professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 350
  • Fat Content: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 12 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams