Description
A creative twist on classic lasagna, these baked lasagna stuffed bell peppers are filled with a rich and savory ground beef meat sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses. This satisfying and comforting meal brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a fun, low-carb-friendly pepper cup, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked pasta (small shapes, like elbow macaroni or small shells)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers evenly.
- Cook beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Stir marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the browned beef, combining well and letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix cheese and pasta: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded mozzarella, mixing gently to create a creamy filling.
- Stuff peppers: Fill each bell pepper half first with the meat sauce mixture, then top with the ricotta and pasta mixture, distributing evenly among all halves.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the lasagna-stuffed peppers warm, perfect as a flavorful main course.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- Add fresh or sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
