Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Savor the Bold Flavors of Italy with a Healthy Upgrade

These robust Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Peppers blend traditional Mediterranean flavors with nutritious spinach, adding vitamins and fiber to the savory sausage and tangy tomatoes. A perfect homage to Italy’s culinary heritage.

Robust Italian Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Peppers – Easy Low-Carb Dinner Recipe

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Peppers:

• 4 Large bell peppers, (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sausage & Spinach Filling:

• 1 Pound Italian Sausage, (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (optional for heat)
• 4 Cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice, (for a low-carb version)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, Drained
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Freshly parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Peppers:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brush the cut peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange them in a baking dish, cut-side up. Bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
• 2

  Cook the Sausage Mixture:

  • While the peppers are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Add the onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Add the cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 3

  Fill the Peppers:
  

  • Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into the prepared pepper halves.
  • Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• 4

  Bake:

  • Return the filled peppers to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• 5

  Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• Swap ground turkey, beef, or plant-based sausage for the Italian sausage.
• For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Quinoa, couscous, or orzo can be used instead of rice for added variety.

Pro Tips:

• Precook the peppers before stuffing to ensure they’re tender and easy to cut.
• Add a pinch of fennel seeds to mimic authentic Italian sausage flavor.
• For extra richness, stir ¼ cup of ricotta into the filling before stuffing the peppers.

FAQs:

 Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes! Assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Are these stuffed peppers freezer-friendly?

• Absolutely! Store unbaked peppers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	20g
Cholesterol	85mg
Fat	28g
Fiber	5g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	900mg
Sugar	7g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	14g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

Stuffed peppers have roots in Mediterranean cuisine, with Italy known for filling peppers with flavorful sausage, herbs, and cheese. This robust Italian sausage and spinach variation pays homage to those bold flavors while adding a nutritious twist. Spinach elevates the dish, providing vitamins and fiber while blending beautifully with savory sausage and tangy tomatoes.

The Art of Cooking the Recipe

Perfecting stuffed peppers is all about balance — tender peppers, hearty filling, and gooey melted cheese. Precooking the peppers and ensuring the sausage mixture is well-seasoned creates a restaurant-quality result right at home.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This recipe is highly versatile — adjust the spice, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to customize it to your tastes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice or pantry staples.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

This recipe includes:

• Tender roasted bell peppers that provide natural sweetness
• A hearty sausage and spinach filling for robust flavor
• A cheesy topping that melts to golden perfection

What Occasions It’s Good For

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. These stuffed peppers are also ideal for potlucks since they hold up well when reheated.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This dish delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressive enough for guests. It’s also a low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.