Italian Stuffed Peppers: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Italian stuffed peppers are a comforting and flavorful classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This beloved dish combines the sweetness of bell peppers with a savory, herby rice and meat filling, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it a visually appealing dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe offers a simple yet elegant approach, utilizing readily available ingredients to achieve exceptional taste. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe prioritizes ease and deliciousness.

Get ready to experience the magic of Italian stuffed peppers with our step-by-step guide, complete with helpful tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result every time. From selecting the best peppers to mastering the flavorful filling, we'll walk you through each stage, guaranteeing a culinary triumph. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a mouthwatering masterpiece!

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Italian hot sausage
  • Ground meat (optional)
  • Minced garlic: 1 clove per pound of meat
  • Italian breadcrumbs: 24 oz per pound of meat
  • Tomato sauce (low sodium preferred): 24 oz
  • Water
  • Black pepper: optional
  • Olive oil or canola oil
  • Sweet bell peppers: 12 or more

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Filling

  • Sauté the Italian hot sausage (and optional ground meat) with minced garlic until golden brown. Add black pepper if desired .
  • Add Italian breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and water to the meat mixture. Adjust the amount of water to achieve a paste-like consistency .
Sauté the Italian hot sausage (and optional ground meat) with minced garlic until golden brown. Add black pepper if desired (0.96).Add Italian breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and water to the meat mixture. Adjust the amount of water to achieve a paste-like consistency (151.44).
Prepare the Filling

Step 2. Prepare the Peppers

  • Core and clean the bell peppers, removing all seeds .
  • Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or canola oil .
Core and clean the bell peppers, removing all seeds (511.719).Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or canola oil (437.28).
Prepare the Peppers

Step 3. Stuff and Arrange

  • Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture using a smaller spoon to pack it in tightly .
  • Preheat oven to 400°F .
  • Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent splattering .
Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture using a smaller spoon to pack it in tightly (492.319).Preheat oven to 400°F (594.72).Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent splattering (600.44).
Stuff and Arrange

Step 4. Bake

  • Bake for 1 hour at 400°F .
Bake for 1 hour at 400°F (613.2).
Bake

Read more: Comforting Italian White Bean & Sausage Stew Recipe

Tips

  • Use a mix of Italian hot sausage and regular meat for a milder flavor, or go 100% hot sausage for more spice .
  • Use low-sodium tomato sauce to control sodium intake .
  • Adjust the consistency of the stuffing by adding more water if needed .
  • If you have leftover stuffing, buy more peppers and stuff them .

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat in the stuffing?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute like lentils work well. Adjust seasoning to match your choice.

2. How can I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Ensure the peppers are well-drained before stuffing. You can also roast them briefly before adding the filling for extra firmness.

3. What if I don't have all the herbs listed in the recipe?

Don't worry! Feel free to substitute with what you have. Dried herbs can be used but reduce the amount by about 1/3.


Enjoy your delicious and satisfying Italian stuffed peppers! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, flavorful ingredients in a comforting and hearty dish. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite.