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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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These Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers combine the perfect blend of Italian sausage, rice, and aromatics in tender bell pepper shells. The peppers are pre-baked for the ideal texture, then filled with a hearty mixture of browned sausage, onions, garlic, and rice cooked in marinara sauce and chicken broth. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese and broiled to golden perfection, this comforting dish delivers a complete meal in each pepper half. It's a budget-friendly recipe that's perfect for family dinners and can easily be prepped ahead.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:49:32 GMT
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Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with savory meat, rice, and cheese, baked to perfection. pin it
Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with savory meat, rice, and cheese, baked to perfection. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Stuffed bell peppers bring the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition to your dinner table. These vibrant vessels, filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese, transform ordinary peppers into an extraordinary meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of textures - from the tender pepper shell to the hearty filling - creates a satisfying dish that's both colorful and delicious.

I've made these stuffed peppers countless times, and they never fail to impress. Last Sunday, my daughter who usually avoids bell peppers cleaned her plate and asked for seconds. The secret? Par-cooking the peppers first - it removes any bitterness and ensures the perfect texture.

Essential Ingredients

  • Bell Peppers: Choose firm peppers with smooth, unblemished skin. Look for ones that can stand upright on their own and are similar in size for even cooking
  • Italian Sausage: The key to rich flavor. The fat content helps keep the filling moist and adds depth to every bite
  • Long Grain White Rice: Its fluffy texture perfectly complements the meat. It also absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the sausage and marinara
  • Fresh Garlic and Onion: These aromatics create a flavor foundation. Always opt for fresh over powdered for the best taste
  • Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality sauce as it infuses the entire dish. I prefer ones with minimal ingredients and no added sugars
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty top. Fresh mozzarella works beautifully here, but pre-shredded works too
Tender bell peppers stuffed with hearty filling, a nutritious and delicious meal. pin it
Tender bell peppers stuffed with hearty filling, a nutritious and delicious meal. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Peppers:
Start by cutting the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes. Don't throw away those tops - dice up the usable pepper parts to add to your filling. Rinse the peppers under cool water, pat dry, and par-boil them for 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Create the Filling:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Add diced onions and chopped pepper tops, cooking until onions are translucent. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Build the Flavors:
Add pre-cooked rice to the skillet. Stir in marinara sauce and seasonings. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Assembly and Baking:
Place par-cooked peppers in a baking dish. Fill each pepper generously with the meat mixture, pressing down gently. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Growing up, my grandmother always used red bell peppers for this recipe, claiming they were sweeter and more flavorful. After years of cooking these myself, I've found she was right - red peppers do add a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory filling.

The Art of Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning stuffed peppers, balance is key. The marinara sauce and Italian sausage already contain salt, so start conservatively with additional seasonings. Taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Make-Ahead Magic

  • Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
  • Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold
  • The flavors develop beautifully during this resting period

Leftover Transformation

  • Chop leftover stuffed peppers for an omelet filling
  • Dice and mix with extra marinara for a pasta sauce
  • Layer chopped peppers over a baked potato for a hearty topping

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Toast rice in the pan before cooking for a nutty flavor
  • Use crumpled foil in the baking dish to support peppers that won't stand upright
  • Let peppers rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the filling set

After years of making this recipe, I've come to appreciate it not just for its taste but for its ability to bring people together. There's something about a stuffed pepper that makes people smile - maybe it's the presentation, or perhaps it's the comfort food aspect. Whatever the reason, this recipe has earned its place in my regular rotation, and I hope it finds a place in yours too.

Stuffed bell peppers, a comforting dish with flavorful filling and melty cheese topping. pin it
Stuffed bell peppers, a comforting dish with flavorful filling and melty cheese topping. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours ahead, store in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
→ What's the best type of bell pepper to use?
Any color bell pepper works well - green peppers are most economical, while red, yellow, or orange are sweeter.
→ Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives instead of Italian sausage.
→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, these freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
They're a complete meal on their own, but pair well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Tender bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of Italian sausage, rice, and marinara, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 stuffed pepper halves)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Fresh Produce

01 3 large bell peppers, any color
02 1 yellow onion, finely diced
03 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

→ Meat & Dairy

04 1 pound Italian sausage
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Pantry Items

06 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
07 1 cup marinara sauce
08 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
09 3/4 cup chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
13 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut bell peppers in half horizontally and carefully remove stems from the top halves. Place in a 9x13-inch casserole dish, brush with 1 tablespoon oil, season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, and pre-bake for 20 minutes to soften.

Step 02

While peppers pre-bake, brown Italian sausage in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 03

Add uncooked rice, marinara, seasonings, remaining salt, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Let rest covered for 5 more minutes, then fluff rice and stir to combine.

Step 04

Fill each pepper half generously with the meat mixture and top with mozzarella. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and broil 2-3 minutes until cheese browns slightly.

Notes

  1. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the peppers just before baking
  2. Feel free to swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred
  3. Watch carefully during the broiling step to prevent cheese from burning

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella cheese)
  • May contain gluten (check Italian sausage ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 454
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 18 g