Italian Stuffed Peppers

I love recipes that can be served as a meal in itself or just with a simple salad on the sides. This Italian Stuffed pepper is one such dish, which we really enjoy having. The stuffing has minced Chicken, rice mixed with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and cheese. Then the stuffed Peppers are baked until the peppers are cooked through. This is a wholesome dish with a balanced proportion of carbs, protein and fibres. There is nothing fancy or complicated in this recipe. These are easier to make, really versatile and perfect meals to feed a crowd.

Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers

These Stuffed peppers has all the familiar Italian flavours and ingredients. It is quite versatile as well and you have room for alteration as per your preference. Peppers– Use assorted coloured peppers. Yellow, green, red – all these colours will make the final dish look so vibrant and fresh. Minced Chicken– Easily available. You can substitute it with minced pork or mild Italian Sausage. If using sausage, skip the Italian seasoning as the sausage will already be seasoned. Onion, Garlic Cooked Rice– Freshly cooked or leftover rice works in this recipe. You can also use brown rice or cooked Quinoa or even Cauliflower rice for a low carb version. Cheese- You need both mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the perfect Italian flavours. Marinara/ pasta Sauce – it is more flavourful. I generally use a bit of chunky sauce for texture. You can also use crushed tomatoes and add more seasoning instead. Seasoning– Italian Seasoning, red chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Fresh Italian Basil is a great addition as well.

How to make

Prep the peppers: Get large round preppers, so that they can hold enough stuffing. I like to cut the peppers lengthwise in half. It is easier to clean the core when cut lengthwise. For the peppers to sit flat on the baking dish, trim a small portion from the bottom so that it becomes flat and stays well. You can also use whole peppers. Cut the stem. Remove the core and seeds carefully. We are not going to cook the peppers separately. Cooking peppers along with the stuffing makes it more flavourful. Make the stuffing – Keep Chicken, chunky pasta/marinara sauce, rice and cheese ready. Cook minced chicken on medium to high heat. Make sure to break any big lumps of chicken.
After adding pasta sauce, seasoning and rice to cooked chicken, make sure to cook until it comes together and there is not a lot of liquid left in the pan. Neither the stuffing should be too dry.

Freezer friendly and good for meal prepping

Freezing Italian Stuffed Peppers – Cooked and cooled down peppers can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave before serving. This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prep or to feed a big crowd.

Sides to serve with Stuffed Peppers

What I love about Stuffed pepper is it is a complete meal on its own. It is quite filling as well. If you want you can serve a light green salad, like this Chopped Italian Salad.