The Best Saucy Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
This recipe features ground beef & sausage, with a healthy heaping of Parmesan cheese, for an Italian version of the classic stuffed peeper dinner.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice prepared according to package instructions
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 4 large green bell peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the onion and olive oil over medium heat until softened.
- Add in the sauce, broth, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine, and cooking for an additional minute.
- Transfer the sauce mixture to the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish. Use a spoon to spread out evenly.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the beef, sausage, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and use your hands to really mix everything together well. Stir in the rice and cheese.
- Stuff the peppers with the meat & rice mixture.
- Place stuffed green bell pepper halves in the baking dish over tomato sauce; sprinkle with additional cheese, cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven, baking adn additional 20-25 minutes.