Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers take on an Italian feel with the help of Classico® Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauce, Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. It's comfort food kicked up a notch--and gluten free!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 638 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound ground beef sirloin
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 4 large green bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
• 4 ounces ground Italian sausage
• 1 (24 ounce) jar Classico® Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, divided
• Fresh chopped parsley

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a roasting pan (large enough to accommodate 8 pepper halves in a single layer) with cooking spray.

Step 2

Combine the ground sirloin, Italian sausage, brown rice, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup Classico® Tomato & Basil sauce in a large bowl. Mix until combined.

Step 3

Divide meat mixture evenly among the green pepper halves; press to compress slightly. Arrange halves in prepared pan. Spoon the remaining Classico® Tomato & Basil sauce onto the tops of the meat and peppers. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4

Bake until the peppers are soft and internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5

Remove from oven. Remove foil and top each pepper with shredded cheese.

Step 6

Turn oven to broil. Place peppers, uncovered under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.