Orzo Stuffed Peppers

SERVES: 6

COOK TIME: 50 Min

Pepper season is here and we're getting excited about "stuffing" ourselves at dinner! Thank goodness we've got this recipe for Orzo Stuffed Peppers. A lot of stuffed pepper recipes use bread crumbs as the main ingredient in their stuffing, but sometimes it's nice to get a change of texture; this orzo pasta offers just the right variation! There are a dozen ways to serve up peppers but this, by far, is a Test Kitchen favorite.

What You'll Need

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage, crumbled
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 green bell peppers, tops removed and cored
1/2 cup water

What to Do

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, orzo, 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce, the basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well. Stuff bell peppers evenly with mixture.
Stand peppers in a large pot and pour remaining tomato sauce over top. Pour water in bottom of pot, cover, and cook over low heat 50 to 60 minutes, or until meat is cooked through and peppers are tender.

Check This Out!

Looking for more great ways to enjoy peppers? We suggest our Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sandwich, our Fajita Burgers, or our Grilled Summer Veggies.
For more ways to get stuffed, try our Crabmeat Stuffed Salmon, our Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats, or our Cheesy Stuffed Herb Chicken.
If you can't get enough rice, you need our Anytime Fried Rice, or our All-in-One Paella!

Up Next:

Stuffed Peppers Casserole

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 376
Calories from Fat 125
Total Fat 14g 21 %
Saturated Fat 5.0g 25 %
Trans Fat 0.7g 0 %
Protein 22g 43 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 55mg 18 %
Sodium 501mg 21 %
Total Carbohydrates 40g 13 %
Dietary Fiber 3.8g 15 %
Sugars 4.7g 0 %

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pjtrail50 1106798

Aug 20, 2023

Oh my gosh with was so, so good. And so easy since you mix everything together raw. I may cook a little less next time b/c peppers fell apart getting them out of pan although doesn't really matter b/c you cut them up anyway on plate. This is definitely a keeper.

luvgh2000 4430546

Aug 27, 2019

Can this recipe be cooked all day in the slow cooker? Will the meat be cooked through, will the peppers get mushy? Thank you! Leave a comment...

luvgh2000 4430546

Aug 27, 2019

Can this recipe be cooked all day in the slow cooker? Will the meat be cooked through, will the peppers get mushy? Thank you! Leave a comment...

sjgal1 7875444

Aug 04, 2013

I did yet another twist.. Used most of the ingredients except the peppers! I'm allergic to them so I used huge hollowed out beef Steak Tomatoes! Turned out very yummy ! P.S. also topped with fresh grated cheese !!

Calla4652

Aug 02, 2013

This is not so much of a review as it is a comment. While this recipe does make the process quick, depending upon the type of ground beef (regular, chuck, round and in meaning leanness) and with the addition of Italian sausage, a lot of fat and grease are going to be soaked up by the orzo. I have made a similar recipe using orzo but with a few more spices, and added also canned tomatoes with juice, but my meat was cooked in advance and drained. Cook time was a little lessened as well, 35-45 mins.

passvict 0151443

Aug 01, 2013

I love stuffed pepper too! But I watched and read your menu, never thought of uncooked orzo or uncooked chop meat! Wow, that would cut down the time considerably. Now I'm all ready to try it "YOUR" way, it has got to be gooood. Everything else always is. Thanks for continuing the helping all of us. VitaP

raabr 2651254

Jul 29, 2013

How much water does one add to the pot; 1 inch,half inch or what?

Test Kitchen Team

Aug 01, 2013

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup water to add to the pot. Thank you!

ssuch

Jul 29, 2013

This sounds so yummy and I agree w/pwag orzo is a nice change from rice. I will try this weekend also BUT I have a question for Howard. When I go back to school (I'm a teacher) could I put this on in the am in a Crockpot and let it cook all day or would the peppers get too mushy? I giving this a 3 stars until I can try it this weekend.