Description

These Herb and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and hearty vegetarian main course perfect for a wholesome meal. Filled with a creamy mixture of cooked quinoa or rice, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, these baked peppers are tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Easy to prepare and great for meal prepping, they make a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Bell Peppers

4 medium bell peppers, halved and seeded

Filling

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange the bell pepper halves cut side up in the prepared dish to ensure even cooking.
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or rice with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley and basil (if using). Stir the mixture well until it becomes creamy and thoroughly blended.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each halved bell pepper, gently packing the filling to fill the cavity without overstuffing.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step allows the peppers to begin softening while keeping the filling moist.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden for a perfect finish.
Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set before serving them warm.

Notes

You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese to vary the texture and flavor.
Add chopped spinach to the filling mixture for extra nutrition and veggies.
Using red, orange, or yellow bell peppers will provide the sweetest flavor in the dish.
These stuffed peppers reheat well, making them a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American