Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! If you’re a fan of lasagna stuffed peppers but looking for a healthier twist, let me introduce you to my *lasagna stuffed peppers*! I stumbled upon this delightful recipe one night when I had extra bell peppers lying around and not enough pasta. Trust me, using peppers instead of noodles is a game changer! When they roast in the oven, the sweetness of the bell peppers pairs beautifully with the savory filling of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and comfort—perfect for a cozy dinner. You’re going to love how easy this is to whip up, too!
Ingredients for Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
Let’s gather everything we need to create these delicious *lasagna stuffed peppers*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you like—red, yellow, or green work great!)
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (this adds that creamy, dreamy filling)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, it’s all good)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (because who doesn’t love extra cheese?)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that perfect herb blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering dinner that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious!
How to Prepare Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s dive into making these scrumptious *lasagna stuffed peppers*! It’s easier than you think, and I promise, the results are so worth it.
Preheat and Prepare Peppers
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want those peppers to roast perfectly. While that’s heating up, grab your bell peppers and cut the tops off. Don’t forget to remove the seeds and any white membranes inside—this will help them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious filling!
Cook the Filling
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—this is where the flavor really comes alive! Once it’s browned, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the marinara sauce. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and well combined; it’s going to smell amazing!
Stuff the Peppers
Time to stuff those peppers! Take your beef and cheese mixture and fill each pepper generously. Don’t be afraid to pack it in; you want each bite to be bursting with flavor. Stand them upright in a baking dish to keep them stable.
Baking the Stuffed Peppers
Next, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers—this helps keep them moist and adds extra flavor. Now, sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese! Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know they’re ready when they look irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to adore these *lasagna stuffed peppers*! Here are just a few:
- It’s a healthy alternative to traditional lasagna—goodbye carbs, hello veggies!
- Easy preparation means you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
- Every bite is packed with flavor, thanks to the savory filling and melty cheese.
- It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for those picky eaters.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your *lasagna stuffed peppers* truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the proteins—ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully if you want a lighter version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Also, feel free to get creative with the cheese; adding some Parmesan to the filling gives an extra cheesy kick! And remember, if the peppers are too firm, you can parboil them for a few minutes before stuffing to ensure they’re tender after baking. These little tweaks will take your dish to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your *lasagna stuffed peppers*, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to avoid any sticking!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the peppers with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but I find the oven keeps that cheesy goodness intact! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! These *lasagna stuffed peppers* are not only delicious but also packed with goodness. Each serving (one pepper) has approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they make for a satisfying and wholesome meal!
FAQ About Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
Got questions about these *lasagna stuffed peppers*? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common ones:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly! For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of your favorite veggies.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers? Yes, just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly and freezing. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!
How do I know when they’re done? They’re ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s time to dig in!
Print
Lasagna Stuffed Peppers: 7 Comforting Bites of Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious twist on traditional lasagna, using peppers as a healthy alternative.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix the cooked beef with ricotta cheese and half of the marinara sauce.
- Stuff the peppers with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Top with fresh basil for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna stuffed peppers