Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are one of my all-time favorite recipes. They bring a burst of flavor and nutrition that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a family gathering, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to love!

These peppers are not only visually stunning but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. With creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, every bite is a delightful experience. Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a gem!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these tasty stuffed peppers!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with veggies and protein, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to play around with the fillings based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers. You might already have many of these items in your kitchen!

For the 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.

For the Filling

• 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 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 my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or use up what you have in your pantry.

• Swap in Different Greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, try kale or Swiss chard instead!
• Experiment with Cheese: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
• Add Protein: Mix in some cooked quinoa or ground turkey for added substance.
• Go Vegan: Replace ricotta with tofu blended until creamy and use flaxseed egg instead of regular eggs.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove their seeds. This step creates our little edible bowls filled with goodness! Arrange them upright in a baking dish; if they rock back and forth, slice off just enough from the bottom to keep them steady.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil along with chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness! Then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Mix Your Filling

In a large bowl, combine thawed spinach (make sure it’s dried well!), ricotta cheese, beaten egg, sautéed onion mixture, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed—this will be our star filling!

Step 4: Stuff Those Peppers

Spoon generous amounts of your flavorful mixture into each bell pepper until they’re nicely filled! If using marinara sauce, spread it across the bottom of your baking dish now; it’ll add moisture while baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that time passes, remove foil and sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before returning it uncovered to bake until golden brown—about another 10-15 minutes.

And there you have it! Your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are ready to serve warm from the oven! Enjoy this delicious meal with family or friends—you’ll see how quickly they disappear!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Making stuffed peppers can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for firm, ripe bell peppers that can stand upright. This not only makes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation but also ensures that your filling stays intact during baking.

• Squeeze Out Excess Water: After thawing your spinach, make sure to squeeze it thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy filling and keeps the texture of your dish just right.

• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese in addition to ricotta, such as mozzarella or feta. This can enhance the flavor profile and add a creamy richness that will make every bite irresistible.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your filling before stuffing the peppers! You can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference. Personalizing the seasoning allows you to cater the dish to your family’s taste buds.

• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the stuffed peppers inside. A hot oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on top.

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

These Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are not just delicious; they also look stunning on the plate! Here are some ideas on how to present this lovely dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A light dusting of red pepper flakes can bring a hint of heat that contrasts nicely with the rich filling.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a lightness that pairs excellently with the hearty stuffed peppers.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini and carrots add depth and flavor while keeping the meal vibrant and colorful.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread served alongside provides a wonderful way to scoop up any leftover filling and sauce on your plate.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette offers a crunchy contrast that balances the creaminess of the stuffed peppers.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal! Each bite of these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers will surely warm hearts and fill bellies.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe is perfect for meal prep! The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your stuffed peppers.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can last up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cooled stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• For frozen peppers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the same reheating method.
• Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about preparing Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers.

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

Absolutely! You can use about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Just wilt it down before squeezing out excess moisture to achieve the best texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta cheese for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese can be a great alternative. Blend it slightly for a smoother texture that mimics ricotta’s creaminess.

How do I make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or simply omitting them altogether. The filling will still hold together beautifully!

Can I prepare Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the peppers a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers as much as I do! They’re not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting meal that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknights or hosting friends, these peppers are bound to impress. Happy cooking!