Sausage-Stuffed Banana Pepper Hotdish
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Pork
Recipe Servings: 5
Rating: ★★★★★ (6 reviews)
This Sausage-Stuffed Banana Pepper Hotdish recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, originally shared by two talented chefs, John and Cindy, from the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. Though it comes from the school, this dish has quickly become a family favorite, especially for those who love spicy flavors! Filled with a savory blend of hot Italian sausage, vegetables, and a zesty tomato sauce, this recipe will surely spice up your dinner table.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this hotdish is easy to prepare and packs a punch with each bite. The banana peppers lend a slight heat and tender bite, while the flavorful sausage stuffing makes for a rich, hearty filling. Serve it with your favorite side dish or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana peppers | 10 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (chopped) | 1/2 |
| Celery (chopped) | 1/2 stalk |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Basil (dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Oregano (dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Hot Italian sausage (ground) | 1 lb |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 814.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 137.2 mg |
| Sodium | 4308.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 60.4 g |
| Fiber | 12.6 g |
| Sugar | 13.7 g |
| Protein | 49 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Peppers: Begin by cutting off the tops of the banana peppers. Carefully remove the seeds and the inner membrane, ensuring the peppers are hollow and ready to be stuffed. Chop up the edible portions of the pepper tops and set them aside for later use.
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Blanch the Peppers: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the banana peppers to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the peppers cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm. Drain the peppers and set them aside to cool.
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce Mixture: While the peppers are cooling, heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pepper tops, onion, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and minced garlic, and season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Prepare the Sausage Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, 1 teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Add the hot Italian sausage, mild sausage, bread crumbs, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until the sausage mixture is well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.
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Stuff the Peppers: Carefully stuff each of the blanched banana peppers with the sausage mixture, making sure the filling is packed in tightly.
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Assemble the Hotdish: In a 3-quart casserole dish, arrange the stuffed banana peppers. Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the top of the peppers, covering them evenly with the sauce.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the peppers are fully tender and the filling is cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: After baking, remove the hotdish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Sausage-Stuffed Banana Pepper Hotdish makes for a spicy, savory meal that pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, consider using mild Italian sausage or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also swap the banana peppers for a less spicy variety like bell peppers.
- Cheese: For an extra cheesy touch, you can sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the peppers in the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed vegetables and grains.
This sausage-stuffed pepper dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a spicy, hearty meal with lots of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or small gatherings, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!
