Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Banana Peppers are loaded with a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned to perfection, and baked until tender under a bubbly, golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served with warm marinara sauce, they’re an Italian-American comfort classic perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
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6 large straight banana peppers
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340 g (12 oz) ground beef (90% lean)
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340 g (12 oz) ground pork
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3 large eggs
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60 g (1/2 cup) plain bread crumbs
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60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
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2 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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225 g (8 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
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115 g (4 oz) finely grated Parmesan
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680 g (24 oz) marinara sauce, warmed
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Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Slice banana peppers lengthwise and remove seeds/membranes.
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In a bowl, mix ground beef, pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stuff each pepper half with about 1/4 cup of meat mixture. Arrange on baking sheet.
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Bake for 30 minutes or until meat reaches 71°C (160°F) internally.
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Turn on broiler. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over each pepper. Broil 1 minute until bubbly and browned.
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Serve with marinara sauce and parsley if desired.
Notes
Use straight banana peppers for easier stuffing.
Adjust red pepper flakes for heat preference.
Broiling creates a golden, cheesy crust—don’t skip it!
Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe.
Use bell peppers for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes + 1 minute broil
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American