Savory Stuffed Green Bell Peppers with Sausage and Southwest Rice Ingredients:
- 4 large green bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb sausage kielbasa, sliced
- 1 packet of Southwest flavored rice mix
- 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Optional veggies: additional peppers, corn, black beans, etc.
- Garlic or garlic salt, to taste
- Water for the casserole dish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage kielbasa and sear until it’s nicely browned.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice Mix: In the same skillet, prepare the Southwest flavored rice mix according to the package instructions. Once cooked, mix the seared kielbasa back into the pan.
- Add Veggies: Toss in the chopped onion and any other optional veggies you’d like. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.
- Prepare the Peppers: Sprinkle the inside of each green bell pepper with garlic or garlic salt.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place the prepared green bell peppers in a glass casserole dish with a little water at the bottom.
- Stuff each pepper with the sausage and rice mixture.
- Add a bit more garlic or garlic salt to the water around the peppers.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven.
- Cook for about 1 hour or until the peppers are tender and the aroma is irresistible.
Instant Pot Option:
For a faster method, place the stuffed peppers in an Instant Pot with a water bath and steam for a shorter time, checking for tenderness. Add Cheese: Once the peppers are done, sprinkle the tops with shredded cheddar cheese. You can put them back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese if desired. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stuffed green bell peppers hot, straight from the oven or Instant Pot, and watch as your family dives into this comforting, hearty meal.
