Makeover Sausage-Stuffed Peppers

Name: Makeover Sausage-Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups instant brown rice; 4 medium green peppers; 3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 celery rib, chopped; 1 shallot, chopped; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

I started preparing stuffed peppers only because my husband loves them so much. I was surprised to discover how much I enjoyed them, too. I prefer yellow or red bell peppers for mine, since they have a sweeter, milder flavor than green. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Ingredients

2 cups instant brown rice
4 medium green peppers
3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, cut tops from peppers; chop tops, discarding stems, and set aside. Remove seeds from peppers.
In a Dutch oven, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion, celery, shallot and chopped green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in the rice, soy sauce, chili powder, garlic powder and cayenne. Spoon into peppers. Place in an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Cover and bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until peppers are tender. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 stuffed pepper: 359 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable.

Originally published as Stuffed Peppers in Healthy Cooking Annual Recipes 2014