Oven-Baked Zucchini and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

- 4 medium-sized bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and set them aside on a baking dish.

3. Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 7-10 minutes.

5. Incorporate the Zucchini
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly tender.

6. Mix in the Sauces
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Combine with Cheeses
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.

8. Stuff the Peppers
Fill each prepared bell pepper with the beef and cheese mixture. Top each pepper with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake the Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish each pepper with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Total Time

- PT1H15M
- 1 hour 15 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Zucchini
- Ground Beef
- Oven-Baked
- Dinner Recipe
- Cheese
- Italian Seasoning
- Easy Dinner
- Savory
- Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total: 1600 calories

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