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Italian Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and a creamy pesto cheese blend, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a comforting family meal, they combine the fresh crunch of peppers with rich Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 24 oz. spaghetti sauce
  • 8 oz. Lifeway Farmer cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

For the Peppers

  • 4–6 bell peppers, halved lengthwise with ribs and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

Topping and Garnish

  • 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the peppers.
  2. Prepare Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing ribs and seeds carefully to create cavities for stuffing.
  3. Arrange Peppers: Place the pepper halves cut side up in a large baking dish for easy filling and baking.
  4. Season Peppers: Brush each pepper half with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, then sprinkle kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper evenly over them to enhance the flavor.
  5. Par-Bake Peppers: Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to slightly soften before filling.
  6. Sauté Aromatics: Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about 4 minutes while stirring often until softened.
  7. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release their flavors.
  8. Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  9. Mix in Sauce: Pour in spaghetti sauce and stir well, simmering briefly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine Lifeway Farmer cheese or ricotta with basil pesto until evenly mixed.
  11. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the meat sauce into each pepper cavity, dividing it equally among all halves.
  12. Add Cheese Layer: Top each filled pepper with an even amount of the pesto cheese mixture, creating a creamy layer over the meat sauce.
  13. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto cheese topping to create a melty, golden finish.
  14. Final Bake: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, and the peppers are tender but still retain a slight crispness.
  15. Rest: Let the peppers sit for about 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and filling to set.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of flavor and color before serving.

Notes

  • Use any color bell peppers you prefer or a mix for additional visual appeal.
  • Farmer cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick if desired.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/italian-stuffed-peppers-recipe/