Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe photo by Taste of Home Rating 5

Packed with orzo, Italian sausage and summer flavors, these stuffed peppers make a fun, fast-fixing meal. Get colorful with green, orange, red or yellow peppers. Use more or less pepper flakes to adjust the level of heat to your liking! —Kelly Evans, Kalamazoo, Michigan

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Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe
  • Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.
  • Yield: 4 Servings
30 15 45

Ingredients

  • 4 large green peppers
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 pound bulk Johnsonville® Ground Sausage
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. In a large Dutch oven, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside.
  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion \over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
  • Drain. Drain orzo; stir into meat mixture. Add the marinara sauce, tomato, basil, rosemary and pepper flakes. Spoon into peppers.
  • Place in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
  • Serve immediately or before baking, cover and freeze casserole for up to 3 months.
  • To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake according to directions. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 stuffed pepper equals 523 calories, 18 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 836 mg sodium, 65 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 25 g protein.

Originally published as Orzo-Stuffed Peppers in Simple & Delicious May/June 2009, p37

Tip

Shred and Freeze Cheese

It’s usually cheaper to buy cheese in blocks than in shredded form. So I purchase large quantities of cheddar, Monterey Jack and mozzarella, then shred them myself in my food processor. I store the shredded cheese in the freezer in heavy-duty resealable plastic bags, so I have it at my fingertips whenever it’s needed. —Evelyn O., Parma, Ohio

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, Malbec or Zinfandel.

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Reviews for Orzo-Stuffed Peppers

Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Orzo-Stuffed Peppers

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(0-16) of 16 reviews

Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2013 by LoveRVN

I have made this twice, once with bulk Johnsonville and once with Italian links that I squeezed the meat out of. Next time I will try a mix of mild and hot sausage. I used half red peppers and half green. My son asked for the recipe and he doesn't do that often! It's the best stuffed pepper recipe we have ever tried.

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2012 by williamsegraves

ZOMG these were amazing delicious!! We used spicy italian sausage instead for that little extra kick and this dish was polished off quick!!! Absolutely yum! :D

Reviewed on May. 06, 2012 by jls0203

This recipe was very delicious. I shared it with the neighbors and it was a big hit!

Reviewed on May. 03, 2012 by ButterLovingGirl

I'm a little too Swedish for all the spice but everyone else loved them! I did use about 2/3 of the pepper flakes called for in the recipe. Good flavor, most stuffed peppers seem pretty bland but not these.

Reviewed on Nov. 10, 2011 by robyn530

Made this tonight and it came out delicious. I stuck to the recipe for the most part but used hot and sweet sausage together. Also instead of a tomato and sauce, I used a can of basil & garlic diced tomatoes which took care of both in one with some extra flavor. Would definitely make again!

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2011 by clarionmeg

I have made this recipe 3 or 4 times now and plan on making it again this week to use up peppers from the garden. I use Hot Italian Turkey Sausage and my husband loves it.

Reviewed on Jun. 09, 2011 by pattywaggs

I have made these twice now and have received high praise from my husband and grandchildren. It's a keeper for our family. Thanks for sharing this one.

Pat Wagner, Defiance, Ohio

Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2011 by ajwain

I have never been I stuffed pepper fan...but this totally changed my mind. I made it with red, yellow and green peppers. (especially loved the red) I used hot turkey sausage and my home made marinara sauce. Absolutely delicious.

Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2011 by ajwain

I have never been I stuffed pepper fan...but this totally changed my mind. I made it with red, yellow and green peppers. Absolutely delicious.

Reviewed on Oct. 04, 2010 by doowopmom

This is one of my family's favorite recipes. I use homemade marinara sauce rather than jarred and it's delicious and easy.

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2010 by iamcarrie@aol.com

I don't like bell peppers much, but I used this recipe to stuff poblano peppers and it was really good.

Reviewed on Oct. 16, 2009 by teenieqtpie

Best peppers I've ever made or tasted!

Reviewed on Aug. 27, 2009 by kitzer

Orzo-Stuffed Peppers

I have been making orzo stuffed peppers for some time. I thought I had an original recipe, but I guess others are as creative as I am! I do use a combination of ground turkey and pork and some different spices and herbs, but whatever works for you will be just fine!

Reviewed on May. 06, 2009 by pastoralb

Made this for our eight weekly dinner group. First reaction was stuffed peppers without rice; but then the pasta and the hot Italian sausage, and the cheese combination with the all of the seasonings; and the other three couples wanted the recipie. PastorB

Keep them coming!

Reviewed on May. 06, 2009 by nicolekd

I made this for my husband the other night and he said it was the best meal I've ever made! (He usually does the cooking). And it made way more than can fit into 4 peppers, so I cut up one of the peppers and made 3 extra lunches for us both! Absolutely delicious!!

Reviewed on May. 05, 2009 by muffnette

very yummy! my family loved it and it was so quick and simple (compared to when i make reg. stuffed peppers) what a different twist on taste too w/the pasta in there since i normally use rice.... will definitely make again and again!

 
 

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