Description
A delicious recipe for Italian Sausage and Orzo Stuffed Peppers, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the orzo, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- While the filling is cooling slightly, prepare the bell peppers. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- Spoon the sausage and orzo mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg