Stuffed Banana Peppers

by | Dec 2, 2024 | Dinner

Stuffed Banana Peppers

 

Hey there! Looking for an easy, delicious dinner idea that will have your family asking for seconds? These stuffed banana peppers are just the thing! They’re hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Bonus? They’re simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough for a Sunday dinner.

Every year, I plant an abundance of banana peppers and this is a great recipe to help use up my harvest! As the season continues on, I pick my peppers, clean them out and then throw them in my deep freezer so I have access to my homegrown yummy peppers all winter long!

This recipe uses mild Italian sausage for a flavorful filling and gooey layers of mozzarella and provolone cheese to bring it all together. And don’t worry—banana peppers are mild, so even little ones can enjoy them!

Let’s dive in:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground mild Italian sausage
  • 30 oz tomato sauce
  • 10 banana peppers
  • Provolone cheese (slices or shredded)
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Disposable gloves (trust me, these are a lifesaver!)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grab those gloves! Wearing disposable gloves, cut the tops off the banana peppers and make a lengthwise slit down one side of each. Gently remove the seeds and core. (This part is like prepping for a kid’s art project—messy, but fun!)
  3. Spread one cup of tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Stuff each banana pepper with the ground sausage, then nestle them snugly in the baking dish.
  5. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers, making sure they’re fully coated.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheese over the peppers, and pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes, uncovered.
  8. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’ll smell amazing, but patience is key to avoid burnt tongues!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Quick Prep: These peppers come together with minimal effort—perfect for a busy mama’s schedule.
  • Family-Friendly: The mild sausage and banana peppers mean this dish is flavorful without being overly spicy.
  • Versatile: Serve with a side of crusty bread, over rice, or with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: If you have picky eaters, try stuffing a few bell peppers alongside the banana peppers for a slightly sweeter option.

Final Thoughts:
This stuffed banana pepper recipe is a little slice of comfort food heaven, and I love that it doubles as a simple way to sneak in some veggies. It’s a hit with my crew, and I hope it becomes a favorite for yours too!

What’s your go-to cheesy dinner recipe? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your stuffed banana pepper creations with me—I’d love to see them!

Happy cooking,
Jess 

 

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