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Description
Enjoy a healthy twist on classic stuffed peppers with this recipe. Zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta, offering a low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor. The hearty meat sauce complements the sweetness of the bell peppers, creating a satisfying and visually appealing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bell peppers (various colors)
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. This will help them soften slightly. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the meat sauce and cook until they are slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Spoon the zucchini noodle and meat sauce mixture into the blanched bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils or crumbled tofu.
- You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and bake them later.
- Add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the meat sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg