Savory Stuffed Banana Peppers

Introduction

About This Recipe

Savory stuffed banana peppers with tomato sauce is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for spice-loving food enthusiasts. The combination of tender banana peppers stuffed with savory fillings and smothered in a rich tomato sauce offers a flavorful burst in every bite. If you’re looking to prepare an impressive meal for friends or family, this recipe is sure to bring satisfaction to the table.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You Will Need

banana peppers
ground meat of choice (turkey, beef, or sausage work great)
breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
minced garlic
diced onions
chopped fresh parsley
salt
pepper
olive oil
tomato sauce

Prep Time

Getting Everything Ready

Preparing this dish is both quick and enjoyable. You’ll spend time hollowing out those beautiful banana peppers and mixing up a savory filling that will transform them into flavorful delights.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Baking and Serving

The cook time ensures the stuffed peppers are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Additionally, the dish yields enough servings to satisfy a small dinner gathering. Whether for a family meal or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is versatile and ideal for any occasion.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Banana Peppers

1. Slice the tops off the banana peppers and remove the seeds and membranes to hollow them out. Be careful not to split the pepper.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Set up a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil and minced garlic to the pot, then sauté until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and your choice of Italian seasoning.
4. Stir the mixture well and let the tomato sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ground sausage, minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Combine thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stuff the Banana Peppers

1. Carefully fill each banana pepper with the sausage mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling without splitting the peppers.
2. Repeat until all peppers are stuffed.

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Arrange the stuffed banana peppers on top of the sauce.
4. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers, ensuring they are mostly covered.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the sausage filling is fully cooked.
7. During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil and, if desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden finish.

Serve

1. Let the stuffed banana peppers cool slightly after removing from the oven.
2. Plate the peppers with the tomato sauce spooned generously on top and serve warm.

Notes

Choice of Peppers

Use banana peppers or substitute with other mild peppers based on your preference for spiciness or size.

Customizing the Filling

Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding ingredients such as cooked rice, quinoa, or diced vegetables. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Make Ahead

The stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Add about 5-10 extra minutes of cook time if baking directly from the fridge.

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing Instructions

Stuffed and baked banana peppers can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cook techniques

Preparing the Banana Peppers

To prepare the banana peppers, start by carefully slicing them lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes to create a cavity for the stuffing. Be cautious not to tear the peppers while handling them.

Making the Stuffing

For the stuffing, combine your choice of savory ingredients and mix until well-blended. A typical combination may include sausage, bread crumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Ensure the mixture is cohesive to make stuffing easier.

Stuffing the Peppers

Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of each prepared banana pepper. Press the mixture gently to pack it inside but avoid overstuffing to prevent spillage.

Searing the Stuffed Peppers

Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil, then place the stuffed peppers cut side up. Allow them to sear for a few minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned to lock in the flavors.

Simmering in Tomato Sauce

Once seared, transfer the stuffed peppers into a pan with your prepared tomato sauce. Allow them to simmer gently over low heat, ensuring the flavors meld together and the stuffing cooks thoroughly.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pepper?

Yes, you can substitute banana peppers with other mild varieties of peppers such as bell peppers or cubanelle peppers. Adjust the size of the peppers based on your preference.

What type of meat works best for the stuffing?

Sausage is a popular choice for stuffing banana peppers, but you can also use ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or black beans.

How far in advance can I prepare this dish?

You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to one day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then cook them with the tomato sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or beans for the stuffing, and incorporating additional vegetables or herbs for flavor.

What should I serve with stuffed banana peppers?

Stuffed banana peppers pair well with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad. The tomato sauce also makes a flavorful accompaniment to pasta or polenta.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

These savory stuffed banana peppers with tomato sauce are a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any meal. The combination of the spicy peppers, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying balance that’s hard to resist. Whether serving them as a main dish or a side, this recipe offers an incredible way to make your mealtime extra special. Give this delightful dish a try and savor its unique flavors.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Cheese

Opt for bell peppers as an alternative and fill them with a mix of cooked rice, cheese, and your favorite spices for a comforting meal.

Spicy Stuffed Jalapeños

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Combine sweet peppers with seasoned chicken and bake everything together for a colorful and wholesome dinner option.