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Four bell peppers, two yellow and two red, stuffed with a mixture of diced vegetables and tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves, displayed on a white background.

Authentic Italian Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This Authentic Italian Stuffed Peppersrecipe is easy and flavorful. Pre-bake bell peppers, then fill them with amixture of sautéed ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, marinara sauce, andcheese. Top with more sauce and cheese, cover, and bake at 375°F for 25minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is golden. Garnishwith fresh herbs and serve hot.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course diner, lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers any color
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
  • 1 cup marinara sauce plus extra for topping
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning basil, oregano, thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully discard the seeds and inner membranes. Lightly coat the inside of each pepper with olive oil, making sure to reach all sides. Season them with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish and pre-bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the peppers slightly, making them easier to fill and ensuring they bake evenly later.
  • Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.. Cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat, rice, 1 cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the pre-baked peppers. Press gently to pack.
  • Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon extra marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake: Place a sheet of foil over the baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
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