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Baked Lasagna Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.1 from 90 reviews

A creative twist on classic lasagna, these baked stuffed bell peppers combine a rich ground beef and marinara sauce with cooked pasta and melted cheeses, offering a satisfying and lower-carb alternative to traditional lasagna. Perfect for a comforting dinner, they are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Bell 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

Cheese and Pasta Filling

  • 1 cup cooked pasta (small shapes such as small shells or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes for flavors to meld.
  4. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This mixture adds creaminess and helps bind the filling.
  5. Stuff Peppers: Fill each halved and seeded bell pepper with a layer of the meat sauce mixture, then add the ricotta and pasta mixture on top, ensuring the pepper is well filled.
  6. Arrange and Top: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of each pepper.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow peppers to soften and cheese to melt.
  8. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the baked lasagna stuffed peppers warm, optionally with a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner protein option.
  • Add chopped spinach to the ricotta and pasta mixture to boost nutrition and add color.
  • Serve with a fresh side salad to complement the rich flavors and add freshness to the meal.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American