Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, crisp bell peppers, and tender rice in a rich tomato salsa and chicken broth base. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 0.75 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers
- 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cumin
Liquids and Base
- 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 sausage until beginning to brown.
- Add vegetables: Add the bell pepper and onion, cooking about 5 minutes while stirring often, until crisp-tender.
- Season and sauté: Stir in the garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin; cook for 1 minute to develop flavors.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Stir in the tomato salsa.
- Prepare rice: Rinse the rice well under cold water, drain thoroughly, then add it to the skillet.
- Simmer mixture: Stir everything well and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole, cover again, and let sit off heat for a few minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Fluff gently if desired, then serve warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- For a simpler version, omit onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin to make the original recipe.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
- Feel free to substitute mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your spice preference.
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness.
- Covering the dish during simmering ensures even cooking and moisture retention.
- Letting the cheese melt off heat prevents overcooking and keeps the cheese gooey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
