If you’re looking for a delightful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are a favorite of mine, and I think you’ll love them just as much. These vibrant bell peppers filled with creamy ricotta and savory spinach are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying a hearty meal!

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to prepare and how well it feeds a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these stuffed peppers will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these colorful and tasty stuffed peppers.
Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare your filling ahead of time and stuff the peppers when you’re ready to bake!
Delicious flavor: The combination of spinach, ricotta, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
Adaptable ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that create a delicious meal. Let’s gather everything 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 great things about Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers is how flexible they are! You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you like or have available.

Add protein: Mix in cooked quinoa or lentils for added nutrition and heartiness.
Switch up the cheese: Try using feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta for different flavors.
Incorporate veggies: Toss in some diced tomatoes or zucchini into your filling for extra freshness.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like things with a little kick.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, wash your bell peppers thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove any seeds. This gives us perfect little bowls ready to be filled with our delicious mixture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, throw in your chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant but not browned—about another minute does it! This step builds layers of flavor that make our stuffing so special.

Step 3: Mix Your Filling

In a large bowl, combine your drained spinach with sautéed onions and garlic mixture. Add ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined; this creamy concoction will hold together beautifully in our pepper halves.

Step 4: Fill Your Peppers

Spoon generous amounts of filling into each pepper half until they’re brimming full! If you’re using marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish now’s the time to pour it in—this keeps our peppers from drying out during baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Delicious

Place stuffed peppers upright in your prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes; then remove foil and sprinkle additional Parmesan on top if desired before baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown on top.

And voilà! Your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm straight from the oven—they’re sure to be an instant favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

Creating the perfect Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience with a few handy tips!

Choose the right peppers: Pick large, firm bell peppers that can stand upright. This ensures they hold the filling well and cook evenly, resulting in a beautifully presented dish.
Squeeze out excess moisture: After thawing your spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. A dry filling prevents sogginess and helps the flavors concentrate beautifully.
Taste as you go: Before stuffing the peppers, taste your filling mixture. This allows you to adjust seasonings like salt and spices to suit your palate, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Don’t skip the marinara sauce: Lining your baking dish with marinara sauce not only adds moisture but also infuses the peppers with extra flavor while they bake, creating a deliciously saucy bottom layer.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness. They can brighten up the dish and add a personal touch that makes it uniquely yours.

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

When it comes to serving your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers, presentation plays a key role in making this already vibrant dish even more appealing!

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances the overall taste, making each bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed peppers and adds freshness.
Quinoa or Couscous: These grains are not only nutritious but also provide a lovely texture contrast. Toss them with lemon juice and herbs for added brightness.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as zucchini or carrots complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers while adding color and nutrients to your plate.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate, making it an indulgent side that everyone will love!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress at your next meal! Enjoy crafting these delicious Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, or even freeze it for later use. Here are some tips on how to keep your delicious stuffed peppers fresh.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They can be stored for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

Thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Optionally, remove the foil in the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese topping.

FAQs

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

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

Yes, you can! If using fresh spinach, about 1 pound will do. Simply wilt it down and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to your filling mixture.

How long does it take to bake Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

Baking time typically ranges from 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You want them tender and bubbly on top!

Can I make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely. The filling will still be delicious and satisfying without them.

What can I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Peppers as much as I do! They are not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping meals for busy weeknights or serving guests at a cozy dinner, these peppers are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!