Description
These Sausage Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and flavorful meal featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground sausage, rice, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then topped with melted cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delicious combination of textures and Mediterranean-inspired herbs that make it a perfect family dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
Filling
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or preferred variety)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow peppers ready to be filled.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes, then season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper generously with the cooked sausage and rice mixture, pressing down lightly to compact the filling.
- Bake the Peppers: Arrange stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set and make them easier to enjoy.
Notes
- Use any color of bell peppers you prefer for visual appeal and flavor variation.
- Ground turkey sausage is a leaner alternative to pork sausage for a healthier option.
- Precook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save prep time.
- Try different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for alternate flavors.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Covering the peppers during initial baking helps them cook evenly and retain moisture.
