Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s also easy to make? Look no further! These sausage stuffed peppers are the perfect answer. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color, or a mix!)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. This is easily done with a spoon. Lightly oil a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your stuffed peppers.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This easy recipe is very forgiving!
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon the sausage mixture into the prepared pepper halves. Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve:
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with 1 cup of cooked lentils or quinoa for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Meal prep friendly: These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prepping! Prepare them ahead of time and bake them when you're ready to eat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe for sausage stuffed peppers offers a delicious and healthy meal option that's quick to prepare and easy to customize. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the convenience of this fantastic dish! It’s a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. From quick dinner ideas to healthy meals, this recipe fits the bill. Let us know how you enjoyed this best recipe in the comments below!