Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions into one irresistible meal. These stuffed peppers are not just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine cutting into a perfectly roasted bell pepper, revealing a hearty filling that's packed with flavor, melted cheese, and all the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Carefully wash the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper shells suitable for stuffing.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a golden color.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the sausage until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the sausage and onion mixture. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour the diced tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Carefully stuff each bell pepper shell with the sausage mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, use a mix of different colored bell peppers to make the dish more visually appealing.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage after browning to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
- Don't overcook the peppers – they should be tender but still have a slight bite to maintain their structure.
- For a low-carb option, you can substitute the mozzarella with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Prep tip: You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before stuffing the peppers.
- Want to add more vegetables? Try mixing in some spinach or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
