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Savory Stuffed Banana Peppers with Italian Sausage and Brown Rice

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A hearty and flavorful dish featuring banana peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, brown rice, and herbs, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium-sized banana peppers, fresh and firm
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild), casing removed
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice (long-grain or short-grain)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse brown rice under cold water and cook according to package instructions until tender but slightly firm. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Slice off tops of banana peppers and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush inside and outside of peppers with olive oil. Place upright in a baking dish.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add Italian sausage to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
  6. Combine sausage mixture with cooked brown rice in a large bowl. Add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing thoroughly.
  7. Stuff each banana pepper generously with the sausage and rice filling, pressing lightly to pack without bursting the pepper skin.
  8. Pour chicken broth or water into the baking dish around the peppers to keep them moist during baking.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender but hold shape and filling is heated through and slightly golden. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  10. Remove from oven and let peppers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the rice to avoid mushy filling. Remove seeds and membranes carefully to hold more stuffing and reduce bitterness. Brown sausage well for deep flavor. Keep peppers upright during baking for even cooking. Let peppers rest after baking to set filling. Add extra Parmesan or panko crumbs on top for texture if desired. If peppers are large, increase baking time by a few minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed banana peppers, Italian sausage, brown rice, easy dinner, savory stuffed peppers, weeknight meal, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/savory-stuffed-banana-peppers-with-italian-sausage-and-brown-rice-recipe-for-easy-dinner/