A simple recipe for bell peppers filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked until tender and golden.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:40 min
Total Time:55 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 large bell peppers (any color)
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
Prepare the peppers by slicing off the tops (keeping the stem intact if desired) and removing the seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, dried spinach, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity, packing it gently.
Top each stuffed pepper with an equal amount of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers to help them steam slightly while baking.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a low-carb option, omit the water in the baking dish and bake uncovered.
You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add water to the dish and bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a colorful presentation.