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Keto Stuffed Peppers: Perfect Low Carb Dinner Meal

Keto Stuffed Peppers: Perfect Low Carb Dinner Meal

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore These Keto Stuffed Peppers

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite weeknight dinner! Our incredible Keto Stuffed Peppers aren’t just a meal; they’re a revelation. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your low-carb kitchen:

  • Keto-Friendly & Flavor-Packed: Say goodbye to carb-heavy fillers! These peppers are brimming with savory ground beef, rich cheeses, and vibrant seasonings, all while keeping your macros perfectly in check. It’s comfort food, keto-style.
  • Effortless Weeknight Winner: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting, healthy dinner on the table without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy evenings!
  • Powerhouse of Nutrition: Loaded with lean protein from the beef, healthy fats from the cheese, and essential nutrients from the spinach and bell peppers, this meal keeps you full, satisfied, and energized.
  • Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for one, these Keto Stuffed Peppers are a hit. They’re also incredibly adaptable – feel free to tweak the spices or cheeses to suit your palate!

Say Hello to Your New Favorite Low-Carb Obsession: Keto Stuffed Peppers!

Are you tired of bland, uninspiring keto meals? Do you dream of hearty, comforting food that actually fits your low-carb lifestyle? Well, pinch yourself, because your dreams are about to come true! We’re talking about utterly delicious, incredibly satisfying Keto Stuffed Peppers that will make you forget all about those carb-laden cravings.

Imagine vibrant, tender bell peppers overflowing with a succulent mixture of perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and a hint of fiery red pepper flakes, all topped with gooey mozzarella and a kiss of rich tomato sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor fiesta that’s deceptively easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to elevate your keto game!

What You’ll Need: The Star-Studded Ingredients for Your Keto Stuffed Peppers

Gather your culinary squad! Here’s everything you’ll need to create these magnificent Keto Stuffed Peppers:

  • Meat: 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • Seasoning Staples: ¾ teaspoon salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Greens: 4 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
  • Cheesy Goodness: 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • The Vessel: 4 large bell peppers, any color
  • Sauce & Garnish: 1 cup roasted tomato sauce (or your favorite low-carb marinara); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Keto Stuffed Pepper Perfection

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping keto masterpiece? Follow these easy steps to craft your unforgettable Keto Stuffed Peppers:

  1. Oven Warm-Up (400°F / 200°C): Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with ½ tsp salt and black pepper until no longer pink. Break up chunks. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Crucial step! Squeeze thawed spinach extremely dry to prevent a watery filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¼ tsp salt, and the cooked beef mixture. Mix well.
  4. Prep the Peppers: Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and white ribs. Arrange cut-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Stuff ’em Up: Generously spoon the hearty beef and cheese filling into each bell pepper half, creating a nice mound.
  6. Top with Sauce & Cheese: Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of low-carb tomato sauce over the filling in each pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Bake to Bliss: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the peppers are tender.
  8. Golden Finish (Optional): For a beautiful golden-brown top, carefully switch to broil for 1-3 minutes. Watch constantly! Broilers work fast.
  9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Keto Stuffed Peppers!

Presenting Your Keto Stuffed Peppers: A Feast for the Eyes!

You’ve poured your heart into making these delightful Keto Stuffed Peppers, now let’s make them shine on your plate! While they’re spectacular on their own, a little presentation goes a long way:

  • Garnish Galore: Beyond basil and parsley, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for a creamy, tangy finish. A tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add a luxurious sheen.
  • Color Pop: If you used green or red peppers, consider a mix of yellow or orange ones next time for a vibrant display. The dish itself is colorful, but a fresh garnish adds that extra zing.
  • Perfect Pairings: These hearty peppers are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with light, keto-friendly sides. Think a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or even a side of cauliflower rice to soak up any extra sauce.
  • Individual Servings: Since they’re already halved, they make for perfect individual portions. Serve one half per plate for a visually appealing and satisfying single serving.

No matter how you serve them, these Keto Stuffed Peppers are guaranteed to impress with their flavor and presentation!

Storing Your Keto Stuffed Peppers: Enjoying Them Later!

One of the best things about these Keto Stuffed Peppers? They make fantastic leftovers or meal prep! Here’s how to store them to enjoy their deliciousness another day:

  • In the Refrigerator: Allow any leftover stuffed peppers to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing for Later: These peppers freeze beautifully!
    • Cooked: Once fully cooked and cooled, place the stuffed pepper halves in a freezer-safe airtight container or individual freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
    • Uncooked (Meal Prep Bonus!): You can also prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then freeze them *before* baking. Place the uncooked stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for a few hours until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen (add about 20-30 minutes to the baking time) or thaw first.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps retain that lovely texture and melted cheese.

Your Keto Stuffed Pepper FAQs Answered!

Got questions about these delightful Keto Stuffed Peppers? We’ve got answers!

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great alternatives. Cook and season similarly.
2. Can I use fresh spinach?
Absolutely. Wilt about 10-12 oz fresh spinach, then squeeze it extremely dry to remove all excess water.
3. Are these *really* keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 5.4g net carbs per serving, they are perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s challenging due to multiple cheeses. Dairy-free alternatives exist, but flavor/texture may vary.
5. What’s the best color bell pepper to use?
Any color works! Red, yellow, and orange tend to be sweeter than green, which many prefer for stuffed peppers.
6. My peppers aren’t tender. What should I do?
Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Covering the dish with foil can also help steam them tender.
7. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, cook the beef and mix the filling 1-2 days in advance. Store refrigerated, then stuff and bake.
8. How can I make them spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes, add cayenne, or finely dice some jalapeños into the beef mixture.
9. Can I cook these in a slow cooker?
Possible, but oven baking provides better texture and browning. If using a slow cooker, cook on low with a little broth for 3-4 hours.
10. Why is squeezing the spinach dry so important?
Excess water from spinach will make your filling watery and bland. Squeezing ensures a rich, firm texture.

Keto Stuffed Peppers

A delicious and satisfying low-carb recipe, these Keto Stuffed Peppers are packed with savory ground beef, spinach, and cheese, baked until tender and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 pepper halves
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 ounces frozen spinach thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 0.333 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 large bell peppers any color
  • 1 cup roasted tomato sauce (or your favorite low-carb marinara)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with ½ teaspoon of salt and the black pepper until it's no longer pink. Break up any large chunks. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat to keep it lean.
  • Prepare the Filling: Squeeze the thawed spinach really well to remove all excess water – this is key for a great texture! In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, and the cooked beef mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
  • Prep the Peppers: Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white ribs. Arrange the pepper halves, cut-side up, in a 9x13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
  • Stuff 'em Up: Generously spoon the hearty beef and cheese filling into each bell pepper half, creating a nice mound.
  • Top with Sauce & Cheese: Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of your chosen tomato sauce over the filling in each pepper. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the peppers are tender.
  • Golden Finish: For a beautiful golden-brown top, carefully switch your oven to broil for 1-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
  • Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty and healthy meal!

Notes

Enjoy this hearty and healthy keto-friendly meal!
Nutrition Information per serving (1 pepper half):
  • Calories: 375kcal
  • Total Carbs: 7.3g
  • Net Carbs: 5.4g
  • Fats: 20.3g
  • Protein: 33g

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