Spicy Sweet Pepper Poppers

These poppers work perfectly as an appetizer or adapted as a main meal by using regular bell peppers. The spicy sausage mixture compliments the sweetness of the peppers and pairs well with a glass of chilled milk.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 110 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 15 miniature multi-colored sweet peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
• 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
• 5 button mushrooms, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add Italian sausage and mushrooms; cook until meat is browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Place drained sausage mixture in a large mixing bowl along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed red peppers, oregano, rosemary, black pepper, and thyme. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Fill each pepper half with mixture and place on prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven until cooked through, about 30 minutes.