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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow peppers to soften and cheese to melt.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American