Stuffed sausage peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of sweet bell peppers, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from inside. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright in a baking dish. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.
- Cook the sausage filling: In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Mix in rice and seasonings: Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the sausage and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it down gently. If there’s any leftover filling, you can spread it around the peppers in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once the stuffed peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. These stuffed peppers make for a satisfying meal on their own, or you can serve them with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
