Turkey Sausage and Orzo Stuffed Bell Peppers

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These tasty stuffed bell peppers offer a new take on traditional pasta dishes by using peppers instead of bowls! The mix of turkey sausage, orzo, and Italian cheeses makes this stuffed bell peppers recipe great for family dinner. It’s a practical weeknight meal that’s delicious and full of flavor.

A white casserole dish holds eight turkey sausage and orzo pasta-stuffed bell peppers, oven-baked until the cheese is melted.
Who needs a fancy dinner out when you can impress your family or guests with these gourmet stuffed peppers at home?
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🗝️ Recipe’s key points

  • This stuffed peppers recipe can be partly prepped in the morning to save time at dinner.
  • The mix of pasta and protein makes these stuffed bell peppers hearty enough for a complete meal.
  • While perfect for busy weeknights, it’s also impressive enough for company.

If you’re looking for new dinner ideas, these stuffed bell peppers are sure to be a hit! They’re easy to make, store well, and the whole family will love them.

🛒 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Image of the ingredients needed to make the stuffed belle peppers with orzo pasta and turkey sausage.

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  • Bell peppers – choose firm ones with smooth skin and green stems
  • Ground turkey sausage – adds protein and flavor
  • Orzo – creates a filling base
  • Marinara sauce – brings classic Italian flavor
  • Ricotta cheese – adds creaminess
  • Mozzarella cheese – melts on top
  • Olive oil – for cooking and drizzling
  • Fresh herbs – basil and parsley for garnish
  • Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors

🗒 Instructions

This is an overview of the Stuffed Peppers recipe instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

A collage features the first four steps to preparing the bell peppers and filling for the vegetable stuffing.
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare bell peppers and season with olive oil and salt. Pre-bake peppers for 12 minutes.
  2. Cook turkey sausage until browned.
  3. Mix marinara sausage into the cooked ground turkey.
  4. Add orzo, ricotta, and fresh basil to the turkey mixture.
The second collage features steps five through eight of the Orzo Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe.
  1. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Make sure they are well combined.
  3. Fill the pepper halves with the mixture and top them with mozzarella.
  4. Bake until the peppers are tender but firm. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!

🥫 Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Oven-baked stuffed peppers in a white casserole baking dish.
Whenever you’re craving comfort food, think of these easy Italian stuffed colored bell peppers. They’ll satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul on a chilly evening.

📚 Variations

  • Different Peppers: Combine different colors of bell peppers for a lovely look. Each color has a unique flavor
  • Cheese Options: Substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or add different melting cheeses on top
  • Pasta Alternatives: Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells instead of orzo
  • Protein Choices: Substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey sausage

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

  • Choose bell peppers that feel heavy for their size and have fresh, green stems
  • To make ahead, halve and seed the peppers in the morning, store in the refrigerator
  • For easier serving, cut the peppers lengthwise through the middle rather than through the stem
  • Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape when serving
Closeup of a red bell pepper halve stuffed with orzo pasta and ground turkey sausage.
A sprinkle of mozzarella cheese adds a gorgeous finish to any dish, and stuffed bell peppers are no exception. The nutty and salty notes of the cheese perfectly complement the bell peppers’ sweetness.

🤔 FAQs

What goes in stuffed bell peppers?

Traditional recipes often use ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce. This recipe gives an Italian twist by using turkey sausage and orzo instead. Common fillings include cheese, vegetables, quinoa, or even taco-seasoned meat.

What do you eat with stuffed bell peppers?

These stuffed bell peppers make a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A side of crusty Italian bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Should peppers be precooked before stuffing?

Yes, precooking the peppers for 12 minutes helps make sure they’re perfectly tender when the dish is done. If you skip this step, the peppers might be too firm while the filling is already hot.

Do stuffed peppers freeze well?

Yes! These stuffed bell peppers freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Are stuffed peppers Italian?

This recipe is inspired by Italian flavors. But did you know that stuffed peppers are popular in many cuisines around the world?

Red bell pepper is filled with sausage and pasta mixture with a fork on the side.
Do you wish you could make a meal that everyone in the family will without spending hours in the kitchen? These stuffed peppers are it

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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

  • Large baking dish – for roasting the peppers
  • Sharp knife and cutting board – for preparing peppers and chopping herbs
  • Large skillet – for cooking the turkey sausage mixture
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring and breaking up meat
  • Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
  • Medium pot – for cooking the orzo
  • Colander – for draining the pasta

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

In Italy, stuffed vegetables, like bell peppers, have a rich tradition. They symbolize abundance and hospitality. Families often gather to share this delightful dish. Stuffed peppers reflect the Italian principle of “cucina povera” or poor kitchen. This means making the most of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a heartfelt way to enjoy a meal.

Ecco (there you have it) — a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. These tacchino (turkey) sausage and orzo stuffed peppers are colorful, healthy, and a surefire way to make dinner a little more exciting. The best part? They come together in just 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.

Fidati di me (Trust me), you won’t regret trying this recipe. It’s got everything: flavor, nutrition, and family-approved satisfaction. So grab some bell peppers and get stuffing — your taste buds will thank you. Buon appetito!

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

Baked bell pepper stuffed with pasta, ground turkey sausage, and mixed with marinara sauce and cheese.
Filled with seasoned turkey sausage, orzo, and just the right touch of Italian herbs, these vibrant stuffed peppers are a showstopper.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

What’s new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We’ll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make
cooking fun and easy.

📖 Recipe

Colored bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey and orzo pasta tossed with delicious herbs and seasonings.

Colorful Comfort: Turkey and Orzo Stuffed Bell Peppers

Dinner just got a lot more exciting! These colorful bell peppers stuffed with turkey sausage, orzo pasta, and a medley of seasonings are a feast for the eyes and palate. Best of all, they’re ready in 30 minutes and packed with healthy ingredients your whole family will love.

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Course: Main Course, Main Course Meat

Cuisine: American-Italian

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Total Time: 39 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 468kcal

Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 4 large assorted bell peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound ground turkey sausage
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups orzo cooked according to package directions
  • cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Garnish: chopped fresh basil chopped fresh Italian parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 ℉.

  • Place bell pepper halves in a large baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with 1 Tablespoon oil, and sprinkle with salt.

  • Bake for 12 minutes. Leave oven on.

  • Heat the remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook, breaking up meat, until lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce; remove from heat. Fold in cooked orzo, ricotta, and basil. Place a mounded ½ cup sausage mixture in each bell pepper half. Top with mozzarella.

  • Bake until peppers are tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil and parsley, if desired.

Notes

TIPS:
Bell pepper colors can easily be substituted for one another. Feel free to choose your favorite (they each have a slightly different flavor) or what’s on sale at your market
Buy bell peppers that have a green stem, firm and smooth skin, and feel heavy for their size.
5-MINUTE MORNING PREP — halve and seed bell peppers. Place in a baking dish; cover and refrigerate. Chop basil and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 993mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3050IU | Vitamin C: 109mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 3mg

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