Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy, one-pan meal. Packed with juicy Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, fluffy rice, and a cheesy topping, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Quick to make, full of flavor, and great for meal prep, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy, and beginner-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 375g ground Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and diced onion, cooking until softened but still slightly crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add seasoning and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the flavors to bloom.
- Incorporate the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor. Stir in the salsa or tomato sauce.
- Add the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then mix it into the skillet. Stir well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots to increase the nutritional value.
- For a spicier version: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- For a lower-carb option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the broth slightly.
- To make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 265g
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1086mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 62mg