The Culinary Revolution of Stuffed Pepper Lasagna
Prepare to fall in love with a dish that takes the classic lasagna and transforms it into something extraordinary. These mini lasagna-stuffed peppers are not just a meal; they’re a culinary adventure that combines the robust flavors of traditional lasagna with the vibrant, fresh essence of bell peppers. Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender meat, melted cheese, and the sweet, slightly charred notes of roasted peppers.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 4 bell peppers (2 red, 2 yellow)
- 8 cooked lasagna sheets
- 2 balls of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 8.8 oz (250g) ricotta cheese
- 2.8 oz (80g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 large egg
- 17.6 oz (500g) ground beef
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 14.1 oz (400g) tomato pizza sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Metric Measurements
- 4 bell peppers (2 red, 2 yellow)
- 8 cooked lasagna sheets
- 2 balls of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 80g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 large egg
- 500g ground beef
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 400g tomato pizza sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Wash bell peppers
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise
- Remove seeds and membranes
- Place pepper halves in a baking dish
- Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat
- Sauté diced red onion until translucent
- Add sliced garlic, cook for 30 seconds
- Add ground beef, break up with a wooden spoon
- Brown the meat thoroughly
- Pour in tomato pizza sauce
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Let cool slightly
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese
- Add beaten egg
- Mix in half the Parmesan cheese
- Chop fresh basil leaves
- Fold basil into the cheese mixture
- Assemble the Mini Lasagnas
- Cut lasagna sheets to fit pepper halves
- Layer in this order:
- Thin layer of meat sauce
- Lasagna sheet
- Ricotta cheese mixture
- Meat sauce
- Grated mozzarella
- Repeat layers until peppers are full
- Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella
- Garnish with additional basil leaves
- Bake to Perfection
- Cover baking dish with foil
- Bake for 25 minutes
- Remove foil
- Bake for additional 10-15 minutes
- Cheese should be melted and golden
- Peppers should be tender but not mushy
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 pepper half):
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 4-8 (depending on pepper size)
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Pepper Selection: Choose firm, symmetrical peppers
- Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is well-browned
- Layering Technique: Create even layers for consistent flavor
- Cheese Melt: Let cheese brown slightly for extra flavor
- Resting Time: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option
- Replace ground beef with plant-based meat
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms
- Cheese Alternatives
- Try different cheese combinations
- Use goat cheese or dairy-free alternatives
- Mix in blue cheese for bold flavor
- Spice It Up
- Add red pepper flakes
- Use spicy pizza sauce
- Incorporate chorizo for extra kick
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare these in advance? A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Q3: Can I freeze these pepper lasagnas? A: Freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Thaw and bake as directed.
Q4: What can I serve with these? A: A light salad or garlic bread complements perfectly.
Q5: Can I use different colored peppers? A: Absolutely! Mix and match for a colorful presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 2-3 days
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Warm in oven to maintain texture
- Prep Ahead: Make components in advance
Enjoy your Pepper-Packed Mini Lasagna – a true culinary revolution!