Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers filled with a creamy lemon-herb ricotta mixture, baked until tender and served with a tangy tomato drizzle for a vibrant vegetarian main. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ricotta cheese, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, halved and seeds removed bell peppers
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 medium bell peppers, halved and seeds removed, cut-side up in a baking dish and brush the cut sides with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Spoon the mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, filling to the top. Top each with 1 tablespoon marinara sauce.
- Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F until peppers are tender and edges are golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ricotta cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Bell Peppers vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this baked are incredible.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this baked are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.