Here’s a classic Italian Stuffed Peppers recipe — tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, meat, herbs, and cheese, baked to perfection. 🌿🫑
🍽 Italian Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Peppers
- Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
- Lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil.
- Optional: Blanch peppers in boiling water 3–4 minutes for softer texture (drain well).
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent (3–4 min).
- Add garlic and cook 30 sec.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ of the Parmesan or mozzarella.
3️⃣ Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing lightly.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the peppers.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and peppers are tender.
5️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad.
💡 Tips
- Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a beautiful presentation.
- For a vegetarian version, swap meat with mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
If you want, I can also give you a quick 30-minute stovetop version that’s just as flavorful, perfect if you don’t want to bake.
Do you want me to do that?
