Introduction
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations, but adding sausage to the mix brings an extra layer of richness and heartiness. This Sausage Stuffed Peppers recipe combines flavorful sausage, aromatic vegetables, and melty cheese all stuffed into tender bell peppers, creating the perfect meal for any time of year.
This dish has a special place in my heart, as I remember my grandmother making stuffed peppers with all kinds of fillings. She often used sausage in the filling because of how it infused the peppers with flavor. The blend of savory sausage, spices, and cheesy goodness is a meal that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
Let’s get started with this delicious, hearty recipe!
Ingredients for Sausage Stuffed Peppers
- For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian sausage works great)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Sauce (Optional but Adds Great Flavor!):
- 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, making sure to clean the insides thoroughly. If the peppers are too tall to stand, you can trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Sausage Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Stuff the Peppers
Stuff each bell pepper with the sausage mixture, packing it tightly. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. If you want, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the peppers to keep them moist during baking.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
5. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the peppers are tender.
6. Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
While the peppers are baking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce or tomato sauce with Italian seasoning over low heat. Stir occasionally to warm the sauce. If you like your peppers saucy, spoon some of this sauce over the peppers before serving.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the stuffed peppers with the optional tomato sauce on the side or spooned over the top.
Baking Tips for Perfect Sausage Stuffed Peppers
- Use a Good Sausage: The sausage is the star of the filling, so choose a high-quality sausage. Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds great flavor, but you can use any ground sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add extras like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for more texture and flavor.
- Precook Rice: Using leftover rice is perfect for this dish! If you’re cooking fresh rice, make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the sausage mixture.
- Choose the Right Peppers: Pick peppers that are large enough to stuff and will stand upright in the baking dish. Bell peppers in red, yellow, or orange varieties are the sweetest, while green peppers have a more slightly bitter flavor.
- Add Cheese to Taste: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a mix for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Salad: Serve your stuffed peppers with a side of green salad or a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs perfectly with the stuffed peppers, especially with the optional marinara sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as a medium-bodied Merlot or Chianti, complements the richness of the sausage and cheese filling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage? Yes, you can swap ground turkey or chicken for sausage. If using lean meat, consider adding a little extra olive oil or seasoning to ensure the filling remains flavorful and moist.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the baking stage, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze Sausage Stuffed Peppers? Yes, these peppers freeze wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
These Sausage Stuffed Peppers are the perfect comfort food: savory, hearty, and satisfying. The combination of sausage, rice, and cheese stuffed into tender peppers makes for a complete meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite!