Cheesy Kielbasa-Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

I love stuffed bell peppers, and this version with kielbasa might just be my favorite yet. These Kielbasa-Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, and gooey cheese—all nestled in perfectly roasted peppers.

It’s a hearty, colorful, one-dish meal that’s easy to prep ahead and delivers big flavor without much fuss.

The recipe features ingredients like diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, cooked white or brown rice, and diced tomatoes, all brought together with shredded cheddar cheese and seasoned with dried oregano and fresh parsley.

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Recipe Highlights

Kielbasa-Stuffed Bell Peppers combine classic comfort food with the bold flavors of smoky sausage and creamy cheese.

The kielbasa brings richness and depth, the rice keeps things light and satisfying, and the tomatoes add a burst of brightness.

Roasting the peppers first softens them just enough to cradle the cheesy, savory filling without falling apart.

This dish works for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or meal prep. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable with different cheeses or added vegetables.

Key highlights:

• Smoky, cheesy, savory filling
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• Great for make-ahead dinners
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• Gluten-free and family-friendly
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• Customizable with veggies or spices
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• Easy to reheat and freezer-friendly

Ingredient Notes

• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are ideal for their sweetness and color contrast. Choose medium to large peppers with a flat bottom so they stand up in the dish.
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• Kielbasa: Smoked, fully cooked kielbasa adds bold, savory flavor and pairs beautifully with cheese and tomato. Dice it small for even distribution in the filling.
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• Rice: Cooked white or brown rice helps bind the filling and stretches the dish. Leftover rice works perfectly here!
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• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and acidity to balance the richness of the sausage and cheese. Look for low-sodium versions and drain slightly if too watery.
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• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds richness. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can also be used for a milder flavor.
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• Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build flavor—sautéed until soft and slightly golden for best results.
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• Olive Oil & Spices: A little olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano round out the seasoning.

Preparation Steps to Create Flavorful Stuffed Peppers

Preparing these stuffed peppers is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds.

In a skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic cloves until they become translucent.

This step lays the foundation for the dish’s aromatic profile. Next, add the diced smoked kielbasa to the skillet and cook until browned, infusing the mixture with a smoky flavor.

Combining Ingredients for the Perfect Filling

Once the vegetables and kielbasa are cooked, it’s time to combine them with the remaining ingredients.

In a large bowl, mix the sautéed mixture with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This combination creates a hearty filling that will be packed into the bell peppers, ensuring each pepper is brimming with flavor.

Stuffing and Baking the Peppers

Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the kielbasa and rice mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are filled to the brim.

For an extra cheesy touch, top each pepper with additional shredded cheddar cheese before baking.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven. After the initial baking time, remove the foil to allow the cheese to bubble and brown, creating a deliciously inviting appearance.

How to Make My Kielbasa-Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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2. Prepare the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil and place them cut-side up in the baking dish. Pre-bake for 10–12 minutes while you make the filling.
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3. Make the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes), then add garlic and diced kielbasa. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned.
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4. Combine the filling: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, one cup of shredded cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
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5. Stuff the peppers: Remove the par-baked peppers from the oven and fill each one with the sausage-rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each.
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6. Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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7. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Garnishing and Serving Your Dish

Once the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

These cheesy kielbasa-stuffed bell peppers make for a hearty main dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Serve them hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that each bite offers.

These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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• Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices
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• Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
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• A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top
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• A light beer or chilled white wine

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

This dish serves four, making it ideal for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a balance of protein and carbohydrates.

For a complete meal, consider pairing these stuffed peppers with a light salad or some crusty bread.

The vibrant colors and hearty ingredients will surely please everyone at the table.

Tips for the Best Kielbasa-Stuffed Bell Peppers

To avoid soggy peppers, pre-bake them just until slightly tender. Dice the kielbasa finely so it blends evenly with the rice and tomato.

For extra texture, broil the stuffed peppers for the last 2–3 minutes to get that golden-browned cheesy top.

Want to make them spicy? Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.

Storage and Warming Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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• Freezer: Wrap individual stuffed peppers in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes, covered loosely with a damp paper towel.