Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Mini Peppers

These quick-bite peppers stuffed with a mixture of mushrooms and Jimmy Dean fresh sausage and topped with mozzarella cheese make ideal appetizers or a satisfying meal on their own. Using a pre-cooked rice of your choice makes these bites not only quick to eat but quick to prepare as well.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup diced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided
• 1/4 (1-pound) package Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Sausage
• 1 cup pre-cooked white rice
• 1 pound mini bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

In a small frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Add Jimmy Dean sausage and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned, stirring frequently to break up the sausage into small pieces, then drain. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

To the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and reduce heat to medium. Add diced mushrooms and saute for about 5 minutes, until mushrooms are softened and brown.

Step 4

In a bowl, mix the sausage and mushrooms with the rice and parsley, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Season to taste, and fill each bell pepper halfway with the mixture.

Step 5

Top each pepper with additional cheese, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6

Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.