Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Stuffed Banana Peppers: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish or appetizer that's both easy to make and impressive to serve? Look no further than these stuffed banana peppers! This recipe combines the sweetness of banana peppers with savory fillings, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or a simple yet elegant appetizer.

What You'll Need:

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your liking. However, here's a list of ingredients for a classic version:

• Ingredients for the Stuffed Peppers:
  • 1 lb banana peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative)
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This recipe is designed for simplicity, ensuring even beginner cooks can achieve fantastic results. Follow these steps for perfectly stuffed banana peppers:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Carefully halve the banana peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry.

2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine with Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the prepared banana pepper halves.

5. Bake (Optional): For a warm and melty finish, arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using). Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffed banana peppers cool slightly before serving. They're delicious hot or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat filling for a spicier kick.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan would all be delicious additions.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
• Make it Ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to stuff the peppers.

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