2large bell peppers – I used a red and an orange bell
12ouncesItalian sausage
1small onionchopped
1serrano pepperchopped
1jalapeno pepperchopped
2-3clovesgarlicchopped
8ouncestomato sauce
1tbsppaprika
½cupfresh basilchopped (a couple tablespoons dried basil is fine)
Salt and pepper to taste
1cupshredded Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley and chili pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
Heat a large pan to medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Add the onion and peppers and cook about 5 minutes to soften.
Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it down, stirring a bit, about 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Add the paprika, tomato sauce, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes or longer.
Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
Bring a large pot of water to boil and boil the halved peppers about 5 minutes to soften.
Stuff each pepper with your sausage-cheese mixture and set them into a baking dish.
Add about a half inch of water to the baking dish and bake at 350 F. for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are softened and the stuffing mixture is nicely heated. You can leave it in longer if needed for even softer peppers.
Remove from heat and garnish with parsley and chili pepper flakes.
Video
Notes
Heat Factor: Medium, though these have a TON of flavor. Easily add more heat with spicier chili flakes and/or hot sauce.