Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy midweek meal, I can’t recommend this Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe enough. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, melty cheese, and hearty rice all snugly baked inside colorful bell peppers. I promise you, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners that makes both weeknights and weekends feel special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right mix of ingredients makes all the difference in this Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe. Each component has a role—from juicy bell peppers holding everything together to the combination of herbs that bring it to life.

• Large bell peppers: Using any color adds vibrance and a mild sweetness; I like a mix of red, yellow, and green.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and sausage; extra virgin adds a nice depth.
• Yellow onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and flavor base when cooked down.
• Italian sausage (uncooked, removed from casings): I prefer mild, but spicy works too for a kick.
• Chopped mushrooms (optional): They add earthiness and moisture, but you can leave them out if you’re not a fan.
• Garlic cloves: Three cloves bring just the right garlicky punch.
• Fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, basil): These boost flavor and freshness; use dried if fresh isn’t available but add a bit less.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to balance the flavors.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the filling moist and juicy during cooking.
• Shredded cheese: I love the melty, gooey factor—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend all work well.
• Cooked rice or quinoa: Helps bulk up the filling; I prefer a brown rice/quinoa blend for texture and nutrition.

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how you can tailor it to your taste or pantry. I often tweak it depending on what I have or who I’m cooking for—feel free to get creative!

• Turkey or chicken sausage: I’ve swapped Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based sausage and add more mushrooms or beans for extra protein.
• Cheese varieties: Try feta, provolone, or even pepper jack if you want to spice things up.
• Grain swaps: Couscous, farro, or even cauliflower rice work if you want to mix it up.

How to Make Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers

Start by slicing about a quarter inch off the tops of your bell peppers. Then, carefully remove the core and seeds—pulling them out by hand usually works best without tearing the pepper walls. Arrange them cut side up in a greased baking pan that’s big enough to hold all six snugly; I find a 9×13-inch dish fits perfectly. A cast iron skillet can work too if that’s what you have on hand.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped yellow onions. Let them soften for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Next, add your sausage, mushrooms if you’re using them, garlic, oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Break the sausage up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks—this usually takes about 6-7 minutes until it’s nearly cooked through.

Once cooked, carefully drain out any excess grease if the sausage is fatty. Pour in the chicken broth to keep things moist, letting it simmer for 2 minutes. Then take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and all of your cooked rice or quinoa. Your filling is ready!

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it all the way to the top. To keep the peppers tender and juicy, I like to pour about an inch of warm water into the bottom of the pan around the peppers—it really helps with moisture during baking.

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 35-38 minutes, or until the peppers are almost fork tender. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes to let it get nice and melty.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herb for a pop of color and extra brightness. Use tongs carefully to transfer the peppers to plates, and serve them warm. I promise you’ll get some happy sighs at the dinner table!

How to Serve Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish these stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil because it just brightens up the whole dish. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of creaminess or tang—definitely worth experimenting with!

Side Dishes

I love pairing these peppers with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are a hit too, especially for soaking up any flavorful juices left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve set these peppers upright on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and colorful edible flowers—it makes for such a festive and inviting look. You can also cut them in half diagonally to create bite-sized appetizers for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually reheat them gently in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. The peppers soften a bit more but still taste delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual stuffed peppers wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags, and they thaw well overnight in the fridge. Freezing does soften the peppers a bit more, but reheated with care, they taste almost as fresh as homemade.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer to bake them uncovered at 300°F (149°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This method avoids sogginess and keeps the cheese melty. The microwave works fine too if you’re short on time—just heat on medium to avoid toughening the peppers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sausage Stuffed Peppers Dinner Recipe brings a comforting and homey vibe to the table without much fuss. It’s one of those recipes that makes me feel proud yet relaxed in the kitchen because it’s straightforward but always impresses. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes—and I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own!

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