Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese! This dish combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with a creamy cottage cheese filling, making it both light and satisfying.
Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (drained, for a firmer texture)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or any variety you prefer)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help the peppers stand upright in the baking dish.
- Blanch the peppers by boiling them in a large pot of water for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove and set aside to drain and cool.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cooked rice, egg, mozzarella cheese (if using), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each of the bell peppers, packing it in lightly to ensure it’s filled. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
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Top with Sauce and Bake:
- Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each stuffed pepper. If you prefer, you can add a little extra cheese on top of the sauce for a cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
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Optional:
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking if you’d like the tops to brown slightly and get a little crispy.
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Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these stuffed peppers with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- You can also drizzle a little more marinara sauce on top before serving for extra flavor.
These Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese are a creamy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional stuffed peppers. The cottage cheese filling adds a nice richness without being overly heavy, making this a great meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
