Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Bell Peppers are the ultimate comfort food. They offer a perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness with a satisfying filling made from Italian sausage, rice, and marinara sauce. The bell peppers provide a mild sweetness and the perfect texture to complement the rich, flavorful filling. This recipe is incredibly versatile — you can use ground turkey or beef as a substitute for the sausage, and the dish is easy to customize based on your preferences. The gooey melted mozzarella on top makes each bite irresistible, and the best part is that it’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers

• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (divided)

• 1 lb. Italian sausage

• 1 yellow onion (diced)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1¼ tsp salt (divided)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• ½ cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• ¾ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash and dry each bell pepper, then cut them in half horizontally. Carefully remove the stem from the top half of each pepper. Place the bell pepper halves in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Brush with 1 Tbsp of oil, and season with ¼ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp cracked black pepper. Bake for 20 minutes to soften the peppers.

2. While the peppers are baking, prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of oil. Brown the Italian sausage in the skillet.

3. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Add the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 tsp of salt, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine. Place a lid on the skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the mixture rest with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.

5. After resting, fluff the rice and stir the mixture. Begin filling each bell pepper with the meat filling, packing them tightly until they are full.

6. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese. Loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes until the peppers are tender.

7. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil the stuffed peppers for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese begins to brown on top. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.

8. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or beef in place of Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or load the peppers with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling for an extra spicy kick.

• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of bell peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper — red, yellow, orange, or green — depending on your preference. Each variety offers a slightly different sweetness.

2. Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?

Yes! You can prep the bell peppers and the filling the day before. Store both in the refrigerator and assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe without rice?

You can skip the rice and add extra vegetables or beans to make it lower in carbs. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives to regular rice.

4. Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Yes, stuffed bell peppers freeze well. Assemble them completely, but do not bake them. Wrap each pepper in foil and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

5. Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

Yes, if using pre-cooked rice, reduce the simmering time and just heat the rice through in the skillet with the sausage and marinara sauce.

6. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days.

7. Can I make this recipe with ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can use ground beef or turkey, but Italian sausage adds more flavor due to its seasoning. If using plain meat, be sure to add extra Italian seasoning for flavor.

8. How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers are done when they’re tender but not mushy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can test the tenderness by gently poking them with a fork.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling will make it even heartier and more nutritious.

10. How do I prevent the cheese from burning when broiling?

Keep an eye on the peppers while broiling, and broil for no more than 2-3 minutes. The goal is to get the cheese golden brown, but not overly crispy or burnt.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a versatile, hearty, and delicious dish that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether you stick to the classic filling of Italian sausage, rice, and marinara, or experiment with different ingredients, these peppers are sure to be a hit with your family. The melted mozzarella on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting and filling meal. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, Stuffed Bell Peppers are perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prepping for the week ahead!

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