Description
Discover the deliciousness of Sizzling Sausage & Peppers Stuffed Bell Peppers, a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe combines savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all packed into colorful bell peppers. Not only are they visually appealing, but these stuffed peppers are also nutritious and adaptable to various dietary preferences. Impress your loved ones with this flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large bell peppers (choose your favorite colors)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (select either mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (options: white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a nutritious twist)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the inner seeds and membranes. Arrange the prepared peppers, cut side up, in a baking dish to hold them upright.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the Italian sausage. Using a spatula, break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. Be sure to drain off any excess fat for a cleaner taste.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned sausage. Sauté the mix until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Filling: To the skillet, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (including their juices), Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Stuff the Peppers: Once the filling is ready, remove the skillet from heat. Gently stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed. Generously spoon the sausage and rice filling into each bell pepper, ensuring they are well-packed.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over each stuffed pepper, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Upon removing the baking dish from the oven, allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped basil for an aromatic finish before serving. Enjoy your delightful and hearty Sizzling Sausage & Peppers Stuffed Bell Peppers!
Notes
- Bell peppers come in a variety of colors—green, red, yellow, and orange—each with its own taste and health benefits. The sweetness increases as the peppers ripen from green to red, making red and yellow peppers particularly popular in stuffed recipes.
- Choosing between mild and spicy Italian sausage can significantly affect the flavor profile of your stuffed peppers. Mild sausage offers a gentle, savory flavor, while spicy sausage adds a kick that can elevate the dish.
- In this recipe, you can choose either rice or quinoa as the base for your stuffing. Rice is a classic option, providing a tender texture, while quinoa offers a gluten-free alternative that is high in protein and fiber.
- Mozzarella cheese is the perfect topping for stuffed peppers due to its excellent melting quality. You can experiment with different cheeses if you prefer a stronger flavor, such as provolone or parmesan.
- For gluten-free, ensure your sausage is gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives or a combination of beans and quinoa.
- To store leftovers, place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the oven for the best results—simply cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 500-700
- Sugar: 5-10g
- Sodium: 700-1000mg
- Fat: 30-50g
- Saturated Fat: 10-20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15-30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 5-8g
- Protein: 30-40g
- Cholesterol: 80-120mg