Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and nutrition, these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are just what you need! This recipe is a favorite in my home because it’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, these stuffed peppers always steal the show. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!

Imagine tender bell peppers filled with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and aromatic spices. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the colorful presentation and creamy filling, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the peppers later, saving time on busy days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and bell peppers, this dish is as wholesome as it is tasty.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of spices and cheeses creates a rich flavor profile that can easily be tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses fresh produce and pantry staples that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers:

• 4 Large Bell Peppers (any color) – These form the edible bowls for our filling. Choose peppers that are firm, relatively uniform in size, and can stand upright when halved. Red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green ones.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for sautéing the aromatics, adding a fruity depth.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped) – Provides a foundational sweet and savory flavor base for the filling.
• 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced) – Essential for its pungent aroma and flavor boost. Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic.
• 1 (10 oz) package Frozen Chopped Spinach (thawed and squeezed very dry) – Using frozen spinach is convenient. The crucial step is squeezing out as much water as possible to prevent a soggy filling. Alternatively, use about 1 pound of fresh spinach, wilted and squeezed dry.
• 1 (15 oz) container Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – This is the heart of the filling, providing a creamy, rich texture. Whole milk ricotta offers the best flavor and consistency.
• 1 Large Egg (lightly beaten) – Acts as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape once baked.
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping) – Adds a salty, nutty complexity to the filling and creates a delicious crust when sprinkled on top.
• ¼ cup Plain Breadcrumbs (optional, Panko preferred) – Helps bind the filling and adds a slight texture. Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier result. You can omit for a gluten-free version or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning (or mix of dried oregano and basil) – Infuses the filling with classic Mediterranean herbs. Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley can also be used (use about 1 tbsp fresh for 1 tsp dried).
• ½ tsp Salt (or to taste) – Enhances all the other flavors. Adjust based on the saltiness of your Parmesan.
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred) – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• Optional: ½ cup Marinara Sauce – For lining the bottom of the baking dish, adding moisture and extra flavor during baking.

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the cheese: Try using feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangy twist!
• Add protein: Mix in cooked quinoa or black beans into the filling for extra heartiness.
• Change up the veggies: Add diced zucchini or mushrooms to pack in even more flavor and nutrition!
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick things up a notch.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove all seeds. This creates little bowls ready to be filled! It’s important to choose firm peppers so they hold their shape while baking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, warm up your olive oil. Add in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 5 minutes. This step releases their sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your stuffing. Next, toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant; this should take just about one minute.

Step 3: Mix Your Filling

In a large bowl, combine thawed spinach (be sure it’s squeezed dry), ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs if using them, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined; this mixture will be creamy yet hearty!

Step 4: Fill Your Peppers

Spoon generous amounts of your delicious filling into each bell pepper until they’re packed full! If you’re using marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish now’s the time to pour it in—this will keep your peppers moist while they bake.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Place your stuffed peppers upright in an oven-safe dish. Bake them uncovered for about 30-35 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. If you like a crispy top, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers—your family will surely ask for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure success!

• Choose fresh peppers: Opt for firm, unblemished bell peppers that can stand upright. This not only looks appealing but also ensures that they hold the filling well during baking.

• Squeeze the spinach dry: After thawing your frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This prevents a watery filling and ensures your stuffed peppers are perfectly textured.

• Experiment with cheeses: While ricotta is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for added flavor depth. Each cheese brings its unique taste and creaminess, enhancing your dish.

• Customize the herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as basil or parsley, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs brighten up the filling and lend a vibrant flavor profile that dried herbs can’t quite match.

• Bake with marinara sauce: Lining the bottom of your baking dish with marinara sauce adds moisture and infuses the peppers with extra flavor. Plus, it creates a delicious sauce to drizzle over your stuffed peppers when serving!

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

These Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on the plate. Here’s how to make them shine even more when serving!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes provides spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate. Its buttery richness complements the lightness of the stuffed peppers beautifully.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty stuffed peppers.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf adds nutty flavors and is packed with protein. It’s an excellent side that keeps the meal balanced.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil makes for a colorful accompaniment that enhances both nutrition and presentation.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal any day of the week without the hassle. You can prepare the filling in advance or even bake the peppers ahead of time. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To prevent sogginess, try to keep the sauce separate if you used marinara.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked stuffed peppers to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffed peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the peppers on a baking dish.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. For an extra crispy topping, uncover during the last few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

Yes! You can use about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Simply wilt it down in a pan, squeeze out excess moisture, and then mix it into your filling.

How long do Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers last in the fridge?

Cooked stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep any sauce separate if used.

Can I make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether. The filling will still hold together well thanks to the ricotta and egg.

What can I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even some quinoa for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers! They’re not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors while making this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

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