Description
A hearty and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole combining spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tender rice cooked in a savory broth and salsa, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- ¾ pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy (375g)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers
- ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Spices and Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato salsa
- 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 it begins to brown.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes and stirring often until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Add Liquids and Scrape: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, then stir in the tomato salsa.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Rinse the rice well under cold water, drain, and add it to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let the cheese melt before serving.
Notes
- For a simpler original version, omit the onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Ensure the rice is rinsed well to prevent sticking and achieve fluffier texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels, but adjust seasoning as desired.
- Covering the skillet tightly helps cook the rice evenly and melt the cheese smoothly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: thirty g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
