Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices with tender rice and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting one-pan meal that captures the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of hollowing out vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 3/4 pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy (375g)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato salsa
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until it begins to brown.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and finely chopped onion to the skillet; cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin, then cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Deglaze: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, then stir in the tomato salsa.
- Add Rice: Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water and drain well, then add it to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the cooked casserole, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt before serving.
Notes
- For a simpler version, omit the onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin to replicate the original flavor profile.
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference.
- Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content, but adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
