Description
A creative twist on classic Italian lasagna, these baked lasagna stuffed bell peppers combine rich ground beef meat sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted cheeses for a wholesome and low-carb-friendly main course.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Filling
- 1 cup cooked pasta (small shapes like elbow macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to achieve crumbled texture.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef, simmering briefly to meld the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper half with a layer of the meat sauce mixture, then add the cheese and pasta filling on top, evenly distributing among the peppers.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown slightly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the stuffed peppers warm, ideally with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner protein option.
- Incorporate fresh spinach into the cheese filling for added nutrition and color.
- Serve with a crisp green side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American