Imagine biting into a succulent, juicy pepper filled to the brim with savory sausage, melty cheese, and a hint of spice that dances on your tongue. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, pulling everyone from their corners of the house like moths to a flame. This is not just any meal; this is a plateful of joy that whispers comfort and nostalgia, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.
I remember the first time I made sausage stuffed peppers for my friends during a game night. The laughter and chatter faded as they took their first bites, eyes widening in delight. It was then I knew I had struck gold with this recipe, one that would become a staple in our home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sausage stuffed peppers are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with flavor and visual appeal, they look stunning on any dinner table
- The combination of textures—from crunchy peppers to creamy cheese—delivers an unforgettable taste experience
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients, they cater to every palate!
There was that time when my cousin tried to impress his date with my recipe and ended up eating three himself! Who can blame him?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green for sweetness and visual appeal. Look for firm ones without blemishes.
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Sausage: Use ground Italian sausage for a savory punch. You can opt for spicy or mild based on your preference.
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Rice: Cooked white rice absorbs flavors beautifully and adds heartiness to the stuffing.
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Onion: A chopped onion caramelizes nicely and enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth; you can never go wrong with extra garlic!
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Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar creates a gooey texture that holds everything together.
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Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce to keep things easy yet flavorful.
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Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and basil elevate the taste; feel free to experiment!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare your filling.
Prepare Your Peppers: Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds gently. This step makes room for all that delicious filling.
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant—about 3-4 minutes—until the onion turns translucent and sweet.
Add Sausage and Rice: Stir in the ground sausage into the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned completely. Mix in cooked rice until well combined.
Add Flavorings : Pour in some tomato sauce along with oregano and basil. Stir everything together until well mixed; let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend those flavors.
Stuff Your Peppers!: Spoon generous amounts of the filling into each bell pepper until they’re overflowing with deliciousness. Top them off with shredded cheese before placing them upright in a baking dish.
Don’t forget to cover them with foil for the first half of baking!
As you bake these beauties in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, prepare yourself for an incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s basically an invitation for everyone nearby! Uncover them during the last 10 minutes so that cheese gets bubbly and golden brown.
And there you have it: perfectly cooked sausage stuffed peppers ready to devour! Serve hot and watch those smiles unfold around the dinner table as you share this delightful dish with loved ones. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Sausage stuffed peppers are a delightful blend of flavors, combining juicy sausage with vibrant peppers
- They make for a colorful dish that not only tastes great but also looks appealing on your table
- The aroma of baking peppers will have everyone asking what’s for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet until browned, then mix it with rice and spices. While the filling cools, prepare the peppers by removing seeds and tops, ensuring they’re ready to be stuffed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for ground turkey or add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Spice things up with different seasonings or cheese varieties for a personal flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness and flavor
- When cooking the sausage, don’t rush; let it brown well for better flavor
- Always taste your filling before stuffing the peppers to ensure it’s seasoned just right
Sometimes, I whip up these sausage stuffed peppers when I want to impress guests. The smiles and compliments are always worth the effort!
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for sausage stuffed peppers?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as substitutes.
How do I know when my stuffed peppers are done?
Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot throughout, about 30-35 minutes.
Can I freeze sausage stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for up to three months; just thaw and bake when ready.
Sausage Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful explosion of flavors in these Sausage Stuffed Peppers! Bursting with savory ground sausage, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to game nights. With vibrant bell peppers as the vessel, each bite is a delicious blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground sausage, cooking until browned; mix in cooked rice.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and basil; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill each pepper with the mixture and top with cheese.
- Place peppers in a baking dish; cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
