Stuffed Banana Peppers with Meat and Cheese – A Savory, Cheesy Delight

If you’re looking for a savory, cheesy comfort dish that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight, these Stuffed Banana Peppers with Meat and Cheese are a must-try! Packed with flavor and perfectly baked, this dish offers the right balance of creamy cheese, hearty meat, and the mild tang of banana peppers. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is bound to impress.

Banana peppers, with their gentle heat and natural sweetness, make the perfect vessels for a rich, meaty stuffing. Finished with a layer of bubbling marinara and golden cheese, these stuffed peppers embody Italian-American comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect balance of spice, meat, and melty cheese
• Great for meal prep – they reheat beautifully
• Customizable – try swapping the meat or cheese

Ingredients

Servings: 4–6

• 8–10 banana peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Cook the meat: Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add the cheese: Stir mozzarella and Parmesan into the cooled meat mixture until everything is well combined.
5. Stuff the peppers: Fill each banana pepper generously with the meat and cheese mixture, but avoid overstuffing.
6. Arrange and top: Place the stuffed peppers in your prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of the peppers.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Cool and serve: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these beauties with:

• A crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber-tomato medley
• Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side
• For a heartier spread, serve alongside buttery risotto or olive oil-tossed spaghetti

Tips & Variations

• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a richer flavor
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option
• Prefer a spicy kick? Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the meat

These Stuffed Banana Peppers with Meat and Cheese are pure comfort food bliss. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re guaranteed to become a new family favorite!