Vibrant Italian Sausage Peppers
Savor the rich flavors of Italian sausage combined with fluffy rice and aromatic herbs, all beautifully encased in colorful bell peppers. This hearty dish is baked to perfection, creating a tantalizing meal that’s not just delicious but also visually stunning. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or arborio)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
steps
- 1.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2.
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- 3.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil; add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- 4.
Add the garlic and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- 5.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- 6.
Remove the mixture from heat and fold in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- 7.
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the sausage mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- 8.
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper.
- 9.
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
