hero stuffed peppers without rice

Stuffed Peppers Without Rice: A Flavorful, Healthy Twist

The Best Stuffed Peppers Without Rice You’ll Ever Taste

What Is the Recipe for Stuffed Peppers Without Rice?

🌶️ STUFFED PEPPERS WITHOUT RICE RECIPE: Preheat the oven, prep your peppers, and brown some Italian sausage. Mix it with cream cheese, stuff the peppers, top with mozzarella, and bake until tender. A cheesy, flavorful meal ready to enjoy in no time!

Looking for a low-carb dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy enough for a weeknight? These stuffed peppers without rice are just what you need. 

Picture this: tender bell peppers filled with savory Italian sausage and creamy melted cheese; no rice, no fuss, just pure comfort in every bite. The best part? It all comes together with simple ingredients and a single casserole dish. 

Pop them in the oven at 375°F, let the cheese bubble and brown, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. 

Whether you’re following keto or just skipping the carbs, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. 

Ready to see how simple and delicious it is? Let’s get started!

A baking dish filled with colorful stuffed bell peppers topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs
A baking dish filled with colorful stuffed bell peppers topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs

Table of Contents:

Are Stuffed Peppers Without Rice Keto-Friendly?

A plate of baked red stuffed peppers topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley
A plate of baked red stuffed peppers topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley

Oh, absolutely! They’re a total win for anyone watching their carbs and looking for an easy weeknight dinner while still being gluten-free. 

Traditional stuffed peppers, especially these delicious stuffed peppers, usually rely on rice or white rice and marinara sauce to bulk things up, but in this classic recipe version, creamy cheese and savory sausage do all the heavy lifting.

You’ll still get that satisfying, hearty bite without a single grain in sight. The combo of browned Italian sausage, melted cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella keeps the fat and protein high while keeping carbs super low.

Plus, the bell peppers add just the right touch of sweetness and crunch to balance the richness. It’s comfort food that fits your low-carb goals without feeling like a compromise. Who knew skipping rice could taste this good?

Ingredients to Prepare

A red, yellow, and green bell pepper resting on a wooden board with a cloth napkin
A red, yellow, and green bell pepper resting on a wooden board with a cloth napkin

Ready to pull together a handful of simple ingredients that turn yellow bell peppers into a cozy, cheesy dinner? You’ve come to the right place! Below are the four stars of this recipe and exactly what each one brings to the party.

  • Italian sausage: The savory anchor. Brown it well so the spices crisp up and the rendered fat adds depth to the filling. It’s what makes the dish feel hearty and satisfying. If you’re looking for a vegetarian stuffed pepper recipe without rice, try using plant-based Italian sausage as the filling’s base. Combine it with your favorite sauteed vegetables, black beans, and spices to create a flavorful, hearty dish that maintains the traditional taste profile while being completely meat-free and rice-free.
  • Bell peppers: Your edible bowls. Pick a mix of colors for sweetness and visual flair; roasting makes them tender while keeping a little bite. I recommend adding paprika for an extra flavor boost.  
  • Cream cheese: The glue and the velvet—softened cream cheese folds into the sausage to create a smooth, creamy filling that stays moist while baking.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy heaven on top. A quick sprinkle before baking gives that golden, bubbly finish everyone expects.

With these on the counter, you’re set to move on to exact measurements and the fun part—assembling and baking.

Ingredient Measurement

Having your ingredients prepped makes the whole family process smoother (and way less messy). Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these cheesy, flavor-packed stuffed peppers without rice, garnished with sour cream:  

  • 1 pound of ground Italian sausage
  • 3 bell peppers (large)
  • ½ cup of cream cheese 
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon of oil

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:

  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Casserole dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cup

How to Make Stuffed Peppers Without Rice

A plate of baked stuffed green bell peppers topped with melted cheese and grated parmesan
A plate of baked stuffed green bell peppers topped with melted cheese and grated parmesan

Making stuffed peppers without rice is easier than it sounds; you’ll be surprised how quickly everything comes together. With just a few simple steps you’ll have a cheesy, flavorful meal ready to serve. 

Let’s break down exactly how to make these delicious peppers from start to finish.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

  • Set your oven to 375°F to preheat. 
  • Let the cream cheese soften in a large skillet on the counter for around 30 minutes, or warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. 
  • For a paleo meal, you can absolutely prepare stuffed bell peppers without any grains—simply use grain-free fillings like ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings like parsley to keep your recipe paleo-friendly.
  • Slice the bell peppers lengthwise, keeping the green stems attached, then carefully scoop out the seeds and inner ribs.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling

  • Arrange the cleaned peppers cut side up in a casserole dish. 
  • Warm a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the lean ground beef Italian sausage. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  • Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl, add the softened cream cheese, and stir until well blended.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Peppers

  • Fill each bell pepper with the sausage mixture and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. 
  • Pour a small amount of water—about ⅛ cup—into the bottom of the dish to help the peppers steam while baking. 
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender. Serve right away and enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers Without Rice Nutrition

A bowl of baked stuffed red and yellow bell peppers topped with melted cheese on a wooden table
A bowl of baked stuffed red and yellow bell peppers topped with melted cheese on a wooden table

If you’re eating keto, these stuffed peppers check all the right boxes—high in fat, moderate in protein, and super low in carbs. 

Instead of relying on rice or breadcrumbs, the filling gets its richness from Italian sausage, cream cheese, and mozzarella. That means you get all the satisfying flavor without sending your carb count through the roof.

Each serving is perfectly balanced to keep you full and fueled while staying within your keto goals. Here’s the breakdown for one serving:

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 32.8 grams
  • Net Carbs: 5 grams
  • Protein: 18.7 grams

It’s a meal that feels indulgent but still supports your low-carb lifestyle. Proof that comfort food can be totally keto-approved!

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Peppers Without Rice

A pan of baked stuffed green bell peppers topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs
A pan of baked stuffed green bell peppers topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs

Want your easy stuffed peppers to turn out irresistibly cheesy, tender, and full of flavor every single time? 

These simple tricks make all the difference between using different colors of orange bell peppers and red bell peppers for ‘pretty good’ and ‘can I have the recipe?’ perfection.

  • Soften the Cream Cheese Properly: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature or give it a quick 30-second microwave warm-up. It blends more smoothly with the sausage this way.
  • Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush this step. Let it get that golden, slightly crispy texture for deeper flavor, especially if you decide to pair it with some brown rice for a wholesome meal.
  • Add a Splash of Water: Pouring a little water in the baking dish helps the peppers steam, making them soft without drying out the meat mixture filling.  
  • Keep the Foil On (at First): Covering the dish helps trap moisture while baking, ensuring tender peppers and gooey cheese. For a nice golden top, uncover them in the last few minutes.

A few small tweaks can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Follow these tips, and your stuffed peppers without rice will come out deliciously perfect every single time!

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Stuffed bell peppers filled with a mixture of vegetables and meat arranged on a colorful plate beside fresh peppers
Stuffed bell peppers filled with a mixture of vegetables and meat arranged on a colorful plate beside fresh peppers

Stuffed peppers without rice are hearty enough to shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks can turn an ordinary dinner into something special. 

Serving Ideas

  • Fresh Side Salad: A crisp salad with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple olive oil dressing adds freshness to balance the richness of the filling.
  • Roasted Veggies: Try oven-roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus with a side of tomato sauce for an easy, low-carb side that complements the peppers beautifully.
  • Cauliflower Mash: Creamy and buttery, it’s the keto-friendly stand-in for mashed potatoes that pairs perfectly with cheesy sausage filling.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Light and flavorful, they make a great base if you’re craving something “pasta-like” without breaking your carb count.

Pairing Ideas

  • Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and light, it helps cleanse your palate between bites.
  • Unsweetened Iced Tea: A chilled glass of tea pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage and melted cheese.
  • Keto Wine: If you’re unwinding at dinner, a dry red or white wine with low sugar content keeps things keto-friendly and classy.

No matter how you serve them, these stuffed peppers deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Mix and match these ideas to create your perfect low-carb meal combination!

How to Store Stuffed Peppers Without Rice

Two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a cheesy meat and vegetable filling on a dark plate
Two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a cheesy meat and vegetable filling on a dark plate

If you end up with extra stuffed peppers, don’t worry, the leftovers store beautifully for another meal. First, let them cool down completely before packing them into an airtight container. 

Planning ahead? These peppers freeze like a dream. Wrap each one in foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. 

When hunger strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot and bubbly. It’s the easiest way to have a delicious, ready-to-eat keto meal waiting for you!

More Keto Recipes You Can Make at Home

If you loved this dish, you’ll want to try more easy keto-friendly meals that bring both flavor and comfort. Here are some tasty options to add to your rotation:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Necessary to Cover the Casserole Dish With Foil While Baking?

Yes, covering the dish with foil helps trap steam, which softens the peppers as they bake in a preheated oven on a sheet pan. 

This vegan-friendly method keeps the filling moist and prevents the cheddar cheese from browning too quickly. If you like a golden top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.

How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild version. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes, spinach, or diced jalapeños with the sausage, basil cream cheese, and a teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra kick.

Can I Make This Dish Without Cream Cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or just don’t have any on hand, you can swap it with ricotta, cottage cheese, or a bit of shredded cheddar for a different texture. The filling will still be flavorful and satisfying, just a little less creamy.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed peppers without rice prove that comfort food doesn’t need carbs to be satisfying. 

With creamy sausage filling, melted mozzarella, and tender bell peppers, this dish brings all the flavor and heartiness you could want in a simple, low-carb meal. 

Whether you’re serving it for dinner or prepping ahead for a quick lunch, these peppers are a total win.

If you loved this recipe, don’t stop here; visit our website for more tasty low-carb creations that’ll make eating healthy feel effortless and delicious!