Ricotta-Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish that features bell peppers filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various flavor combinations and is perfect as a main dish or a side. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal!

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, green, or orange)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Ricotta-Stuffed Peppers takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

1. Slice the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright.
2. Blanch (Optional): For softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers: Spoon the ricotta mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently to fill completely.
2. Top with Marinara Sauce: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over the top of each pepper.

Step 5: Bake the Peppers

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm as a main dish or side, accompanied by a salad or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Ricotta-Stuffed Peppers (per pepper, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	12g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Mix in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Meat Option: Incorporate cooked ground meat (like turkey or beef) into the filling for a heartier dish.

Conclusion

Ricotta-Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and healthy option for any meal. With their creamy filling and vibrant colors, they not only taste great but also look beautiful on the plate. This recipe is easy to customize, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire!