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Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers
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Easy Sausage Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and colorful dinner featuring savory sausage, tender bell peppers, and a delicious blend of cheeses and spices. Ready in under an hour, this flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium to large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 lb ground sausage (sweet, Italian, or spicy)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (chopped parsley, basil, or oregano)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Mix-ins and Variations

  • Plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms (for vegetarian version)
  • Chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
  • Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan (alternative cheeses)
  • Cauliflower rice, farro, or couscous (grain alternatives)
  • Chopped zucchini, spinach, or shredded carrots (extra veggies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash the peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops and carefully remove seeds and membranes to create hollow pockets. Set aside to dry while preparing the filling.
  2. Cook the Sausage Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Mix in Additional Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa and tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine flavors evenly.
  4. Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed pepper with the sausage mixture, packing tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish to keep their shape.
  5. Bake and Add Cheese: Cover baking dish with foil and bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese atop each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh peppers that hold filling without collapsing during baking.
  • Drain excess grease from the browned sausage to prevent soggy filling.
  • Ensure rice or grain is fully cooked before mixing to ensure even cooking.
  • Cover peppers with foil during baking to prevent burning the tops.
  • Let stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, sausage stuffed peppers, easy dinner, baked peppers, savory stuffed peppers, gluten free, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/sausage-stuffed-peppers/