Orzo-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

By dlperkins

Ingredients

• 4 large green peppers
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. In a Dutch oven, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside.

Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.

Drain orzo; stir into meat mixture. Add the marinara sauce, tomato, basil, rosemary and pepper flakes. Spoon into peppers.

Place in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Yield: 4 servings.