Weight Watchers-Friendly Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:

  • 4 oz turkey bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 points)
  • 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey (0 points)
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional) (0 points)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional) (0 points)
  • 2 oz turkey pepperoni, sliced (2 points)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional) (2 points)
  • 2 cups sugar-free pizza sauce or marinara sauce (1 point)
  • 4 large bell peppers, cut in half, seeds removed (0 points)
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (8 points)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meats:
    • In a skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Drain and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, cook the ground turkey and optional diced onion, breaking the turkey into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the chopped garlic to the turkey mixture and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  2. Cook the Pepperoni (Optional):
    • In a separate pan, cook the turkey pepperoni for a minute or two to crisp it up. Set aside.
  3. Mix the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, mix together the cooked turkey bacon, ground turkey, pepperoni, olives (if using), and half of the pizza sauce.
  4. Stuff the Peppers:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Spread the remaining pizza sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the halved bell peppers on top.
    • Fill each pepper with the meat and sauce mixture.
  5. Bake:
    • Cover the dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
    • Remove the foil, top each pepper with shredded mozzarella, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 8 servings):

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Points: ~2-3 points per serving (depending on specific brands and portions used)

Tips:

  • Lean Proteins: Using 99% lean ground turkey and turkey bacon reduces the fat content and points, making the dish lighter while still satisfying.
  • Low-Fat Cheese: Reduced-fat mozzarella helps lower the points without sacrificing the cheesy goodness.
  • Portion Control: Use the bell pepper halves as a natural portion control, making it easier to enjoy without overeating.
  • Customize: You can add or skip optional ingredients like olives or onions based on your taste preference or point budget.

Benefits:

  • Low in Points: This recipe is adapted to be Weight Watchers-friendly, with only 2-3 points per serving, making it a great choice for a hearty meal.
  • High in Protein: The lean ground turkey and turkey bacon provide a good amount of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
  • Low in Carbs: Using bell peppers instead of a traditional pizza crust lowers the carb content, making this dish a good option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
  • Packed with Flavor: Despite the lower points, the combination of lean meats, cheese, and pizza sauce ensures that this dish is still packed with flavor.

These Weight Watchers-friendly Pizza-Stuffed Bell Peppers offer all the deliciousness of pizza in a healthier, low-point form, making them perfect for a satisfying and guilt-free meal!