Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil , divided
• 1/4 , 1-pound
• 0.25 cups diced mushrooms
• 1 cup pre-cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound mini bell peppers , halved lengthwise and seeded

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. 2

   In a small frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Add Jimmy Dean sausage and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned, stirring frequently to break up the sausage into small pieces, then drain. Remove the sausage and set aside.

3. 3

   To the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and reduce heat to medium. Add diced mushrooms and saute for about 5 minutes, until mushrooms are softened and brown.

4. 4

   In a bowl, mix the sausage and mushrooms with the rice and parsley, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Season to taste, and fill each bell pepper halfway with the mixture.

5. 5

   Top each pepper with additional cheese, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.