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Stuffed Banana Peppers in Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe

Stuffed Banana Peppers in Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe
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4.9 from 15 reviews

These Stuffed Banana Peppers in Savory Tomato Sauce are a delicious and comforting main course option. Flavorful ground beef and pork mixed with rice, onions, and spices, stuffed into banana peppers and baked in a rich tomato sauce until tender. A satisfying Italian-American dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stuffed Peppers:

  • 6 banana peppers, tops cut and seeds removed
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (or use all beef)
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Carefully stuff each banana pepper with the meat mixture, pressing gently to fill completely.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Add sugar, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Nestle the stuffed peppers into the tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
  4. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • You can substitute the rice with cooked quinoa for a grain-free option.
  • These can also be prepared a day in advance and reheated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/stuffed-banana-peppers-in-savory-tomato-sauce-recipe/