Here’s a list of ingredients for **Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers** formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank better:
- **Cubanelle peppers** (6-8 medium-sized, fresh)
- **Ground Italian sausage** (1 lb, mild or spicy for added flavor)
- **Cooked white rice** (1 cup, or substitute with quinoa for a healthier option)
- **Marinara sauce** (2 cups, homemade or store-bought)
- **Mozzarella cheese** (1 cup, shredded, for a gooey, cheesy filling)
- **Parmesan cheese** (1/2 cup, grated, for a nutty, savory flavor)
- **Garlic** (3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth)
- **Onion** (1 small, finely chopped, for sweetness and texture)
- **Fresh basil** (1/4 cup, chopped, for a fresh, herby touch)
- **Olive oil** (2 tbsp, for sautéing and richness)
- **Italian seasoning** (1 tsp, for authentic Italian flavor)
- **Salt** (to taste, for seasoning)
- **Black pepper** (to taste, for a hint of spice)
- **Crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for a spicy kick)
- **Breadcrumbs** (1/2 cup, for added texture in the filling)
### Optional Garnishes:
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for a vibrant finish)
- **Extra marinara sauce** (for serving)
This recipe combines **Italian-inspired flavors** with **stuffed peppers**, making it a perfect **comfort food** dish for family dinners or meal prep. Use keywords like **Italian stuffed peppers**, **Cubanelle pepper recipe**, and **easy stuffed peppers** to optimize your content for search engines.
Steps
# How to Make Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish, **Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers** are a perfect choice. These mild, sweet peppers are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
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## **Ingredients for Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers**
- 6-8 Cubanelle peppers (also known as Italian frying peppers)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Cubanelle Peppers**
- Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
- Wash the Cubanelle peppers thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Carefully slice off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
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### **2. Cook the Italian Sausage Filling**
- Heat **1 tbsp olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
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### **3. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, basil, and beaten egg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
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### **4. Stuff the Peppers**
- Using a spoon or your hands, carefully stuff each Cubanelle pepper with the sausage mixture. Press gently to ensure the filling is packed tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing upright.
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### **5. Add Marinara Sauce**
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Drizzle the remaining **1 tbsp olive oil** over the top for added flavor.
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### **6. Bake the Stuffed Peppers**
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for **30 minutes**.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional **15-20 minutes**, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden brown.
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### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
- Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.
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## **Tips for Perfect Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers**
- For a vegetarian option, substitute Italian sausage with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and quinoa.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
- Pair with a side of crusty Italian bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
This **Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers** recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the sweetness of Cubanelle peppers with the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage and cheese. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!
By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag #ItalianStuffedPeppers for a chance to be featured!
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