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Cheesy Italian Baked Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and comforting dish that brings together vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun get-together with friends. The combination of sweet bell peppers, savory filling, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing.

Cheesy Italian Baked Stuffed Peppers

Indulge in the warmth of the holidays with these Cheesy Italian Baked Stuffed Peppers, the perfect cozy winter meal. Featuring vibrant bell peppers filled with savory Italian sausage, quinoa, and fresh spinach, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. With gooey melted cheese on top, it's a festive feast that will satisfy everyone at your table. Treat your family to this delightful recipe tonight, and save it for those busy weeknights ahead!
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Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (choose red, yellow, or green for a vibrant dish)

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for a hearty base)

1 cup Italian sausage (remove casing if using links, or substitute with lean ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup marinara sauce (for a rich flavor)

1 cup chopped spinach (can be fresh or thawed from frozen)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added depth)

2 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when you are ready to bake.

    Prepare the Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt for flavor. Stand them upright in a baking dish.

      Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon and cooking until it’s browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: After the sausage is fully cooked, mix in the cooked quinoa or rice, chopped spinach, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, letting the mixture heat for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's well combined.

          Stuff the Peppers: Generously spoon the warm filling mixture into each prepared bell pepper, packing it tightly for maximum flavor.

            Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers for a cheesy crust.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor before serving warm.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 4