stuffed banana peppers recipe

stuffed banana peppers recipe

The Best stuffed banana peppers recipe

I’m so glad you’re here for this stuffed banana peppers recipe. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The dish is actually a classic Italian-American recipe that originated from the southern part of Italy. The sweet and slightly smoky flavor of the banana peppers pairs perfectly with the savory taste of the filling, which typically consists of a mix of meat, cheese, and spices.

The key to this recipe is in the preparation of the peppers themselves, which requires some care to ensure they’re properly cleaned and sliced. My kids love helping me stuff the peppers, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the cooking process.

We often make this recipe for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings, but it’s also a great option for a weeknight dinner. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy, especially if you use lean meats and plenty of vegetables in the filling.

Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe

Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe

4.8 from 958 votes

A delicious and easy-to-make stuffed banana peppers recipe filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Peppers

4 large banana peppers
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Cut the tops off the banana peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Set aside.
3In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5Drain excess fat.
6Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
8Stir in the cooked rice, shredded cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
9Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
10Remove from heat.
11Place the banana peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
13Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to fill completely.
14Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16The tops of the peppers will be slightly browned.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Cutting board
Knife
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like corn or black beans to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Serve with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe Works

This stuffed banana peppers recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner.

My family loves helping me prepare the ingredients and stuffing the peppers themselves.

And one of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – we’ve made it with ground beef, pork sausage, and even vegan options like tofu or tempeh.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Banana Peppers

Q: What type of peppers should I use for this recipe?

A: For this stuffed banana peppers recipe, you’ll want to use large, firm banana peppers. You can usually find them at most supermarkets or Italian markets. If you can’t find them fresh, you can also use frozen or jarred peppers as a substitute.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese in place of mozzarella?

A: While mozzarella is traditional in this recipe, you can also use other types of cheese such as parmesan or provolone if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover stuffed peppers?

A: Once you’ve assembled and cooked the stuffed peppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. When reheating, make sure they’re heated through until they’re hot and bubbly.

Q: Can I make these peppers ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and slice the peppers ahead of time if needed. However, it’s best to assemble and cook them just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: Are stuffed peppers suitable for vegetarians?

A: This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein source such as beans or tofu.

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