Description
Delicious herb and cheese stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. This baked dish offers a comforting, cheesy filling wrapped in tender roasted peppers, perfect as a hearty main or flavorful side.
Ingredients
Scale
Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow shells ready for stuffing. Lightly rub the outsides with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and the egg. If using, incorporate the chopped onion. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture becomes cohesive enough to hold its shape.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the cheese and herb filling into each prepared pepper, packing the mixture down lightly to ensure they are generously filled. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers soften and the cheese filling is bubbling and turning golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot, either as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers based on your preference or availability.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the egg or replace it with a flax egg as a binder.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
- Adding chopped onion is optional but adds great flavor.
- Extra grated Parmesan on top creates a nice crust but can be omitted for lower fat.
- Make sure the filling mixture is well combined to hold shape and prevent falling apart while baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
