Italian stuffed peppers

Here’s a classic Italian Stuffed Peppers recipe—flavorful, comforting, and easy to customize:

🇮🇹 Italian Stuffed Peppers Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min | 🍽️ Cook Time: 45 min | 🍴 Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 cup cooked rice (or orzo)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil

🥄 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the peppers:

   • Slice the tops off the peppers and remove seeds/membranes.

   • Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast (open side down) for 10–15 min while prepping filling (optional but adds flavor).

3. Cook the filling:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.

   • Add garlic, then ground meat. Cook until browned.

   • Stir in cooked rice, 1 cup marinara, herbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. Stuff the peppers:

   • Turn roasted peppers right-side-up in a baking dish.

   • Fill generously with the meat mixture.

   • Top each with a spoonful of marinara and sprinkle mozzarella.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.

   • Uncover and bake another 10–15 min until cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍷 Serve With:

• Crusty Italian bread or garlic toast

• Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• A glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon

🔁 Variations:

• Use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter/vegetarian version.

• Mix in chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat.

Want a version with no rice? Or fully vegetarian? I can adapt it!