Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
These delightful pumpkins are stuffed with all your favorite pizza toppings, making them a charming and tasty dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the stuffed pumpkins
- 4 small small pumpkins About the size of your head.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Can substitute for a veggie option.
- 1 cup pizza sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced olives
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional Fresh basil for garnish Highly recommended!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the pumpkins and scoop out the insides, leaving a wall around the edges.
Cooking the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned (around 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat and add the pizza sauce, bell peppers, olives, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Assembling and Baking
- Spoon the meat mixture into each pumpkin and fill them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed pumpkins.
- Place the pumpkins upright in a baking dish, add a splash of water, and cover with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serving
- Let the pumpkins cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Customize your fillings with other toppings like pepperoni or spinach. You can prep the filling a day in advance to save time.