Orzo-Stuffed Peppers

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
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

Ingredients

  • 4 large green peppers
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 pound bulk Italian 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

  1. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. In a Dutch oven, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside.
  2. Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.
  3. Drain orzo; stir into meat mixture. Add the marinara sauce, tomato, basil, rosemary and pepper flakes. Spoon into peppers.
  4. Place in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • Cooked couscous or ditalini are fun swaps for the orzo.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try red, orange and yellow bell peppers. They substitute seamlessly in this recipe.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 each: 523 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein.