Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort dish that combines tender bell peppers filled with a savory blend of Italian sausage, rice, and marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor – Italian sausage and marinara sauce create a rich, savory filling.
• Perfect texture – The bell peppers are pre-baked to soften, ensuring a tender bite.
• Simple & convenient – Everything cooks in one skillet before stuffing, making cleanup easy.
• Great for meal prep – These hold up well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

Bell Peppers & Base:

• 3 bell peppers
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided

Filling:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/4 tsp salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3/4 cup chicken broth

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut them in half horizontally, making sure to cut evenly.
3. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the stem from the top half of each bell pepper. It’s okay if a small hole remains.
4. Arrange the bell pepper halves in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
5. Brush each pepper with 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and season with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp cracked black pepper.
6. Bake the peppers for 20 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2: Cook the Filling

1. While the peppers bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp cooking oil.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and chicken broth.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer without lifting the lid for 20 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 5 more minutes before removing the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork.

3: Stuff & Bake

1. Evenly distribute the sausage and rice mixture into the bell pepper halves, filling them to the top.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each stuffed pepper.
3. Loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian option: Swap sausage for black beans or mushrooms.
• Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage.
• Stretch the filling: Add an extra ½ cup of rice and ¾ cup of broth to make more servings.
• Save time: Use pre-cooked rice and mix it into the sausage after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a light contrast.
• Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette for a hearty meal.
• Add a side of roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped peppers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Prepare the peppers and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate before baking.

2. What type of bell peppers work best?
Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more budget-friendly and slightly bitter.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase the broth to 1 cup and simmer for 35-40 minutes instead of 20.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you meal prep them for the week or enjoy them fresh out of the oven, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them with your favorite side dish and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

Print