Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are one of my all-time favorites. They not only look vibrant on the plate but are also packed with flavors and nutrients. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just need a cozy dinner on a busy weeknight, these stuffed peppers are sure to please.

I love how versatile this recipe is! You can easily adjust the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. Plus, they reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy leftovers without any fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of eating from their own pepper bowl filled with creamy goodness.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the peppers right before baking.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ricotta, spinach, and spices creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with veggies and protein, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, ensuring that every bite is both nourishing and satisfying. Let’s gather what we need for our 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 best things about these stuffed peppers is how flexible they are! You can easily adapt them based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap out vegetables: Use cooked quinoa or rice instead of spinach for variation!
• Add some protein: Mix in shredded chicken or cooked lentils to make them heartier.
• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy products.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, slice your bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds. This step is crucial because it creates beautiful bowls that will hold all that wonderful filling!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil followed by chopped onions. Cook until they become translucent—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic for an additional minute until fragrant. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness which adds depth to our stuffing.

Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed spinach (make sure you’ve squeezed out all excess water!), ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined; this will create that luscious filling we’re after!

Step 4: Stuff Your Peppers

Spoon generous amounts of your spinach ricotta mixture into each bell pepper half until they’re packed full! If you like extra flavor and moisture while baking, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing them inside.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. If you want an extra golden crust on top—add more grated Parmesan during the last five minutes! Baking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully while giving our peppers just enough tenderness.

Enjoy every bite of these gorgeous Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers! They’re bound to become a cherished recipe in your home just like they have in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Creating the perfect Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve that!

• Choose ripe peppers: Selecting firm and fresh bell peppers ensures they hold their shape during baking and offer the best flavor. Look for vibrant colors and a smooth skin.

• Squeeze out excess moisture: After thawing your spinach, squeezing it dry is crucial to prevent a soggy filling. A drier mixture helps the stuffing stay intact and results in a firmer texture.

• Mix thoroughly: When combining your filling ingredients, make sure to mix them well until fully integrated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and provides a consistent texture throughout.

• Bake covered initially: Covering the dish with foil during the first half of baking helps keep the peppers moist while they cook. Remove the foil later to allow the tops to brown nicely.

• Customize your spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices to your filling based on your preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or fresh herbs can brighten up the flavors.

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Serving these stuffed peppers is an opportunity to get creative! They not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top just before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the creamy stuffed peppers.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a wonderful crunch and is perfect for scooping up any melted cheese or leftover marinara sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots add both color and nutrition while providing a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the peppers.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the stuffed peppers, adding brightness to your meal.

Enjoy presenting this comforting dish at your next dinner gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, store them, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal anytime you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking; simply thaw and bake when ready to serve.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, allow the peppers to thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the same baking instructions.
• Alternatively, use a microwave: heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

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

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. Use about 1 pound of fresh spinach, wilt it down in a pan until it’s reduced, and then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.

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

To make your stuffed peppers gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The recipe will still be delicious without them!

Can I prepare Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them before baking for a quick meal later on.

What can I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. They also go well with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these flavorful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience trying this recipe!