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- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference) - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Italian Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Peppers

Discover the joy of cooking with this Italian sausage and peppers stuffed peppers recipe! Bursting with flavor, these vibrant bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, rice, and fresh veggies, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish showcases rich Italian culinary traditions while offering a satisfying combination of textures. Learn how to make these delicious stuffed peppers and impress your friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish, standing upright.

      Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.

        Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

          Mix the Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Stuff the Peppers: Turn off the heat and stir in ¼ cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese into the sausage mixture. Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, packing it in gently but firmly.

              Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings