Stuffed peppers have always been one of my go-to comfort meals, but I wanted a version that was just as satisfying while being packed with extra protein and nutrients.

That’s when I discovered the magic of cottage cheese! By mixing it with hearty vegetables, seasonings, and a little bit of grain, these Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and nutritious.

They’re filling without being heavy and are just as delicious for meal prep as they are for a cozy family dinner.

Imagine the aroma of baked peppers wafting through your kitchen as they fill with a flavorful mixture of cottage cheese, herbs, and spices.

This meal is simple yet satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead.

You can customize the filling to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish everyone will love.

Jump to Recipe

Vibrant Ingredients for a Wholesome Dish

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the stuffed peppers with cottage cheese. These vibrant bell peppers are not just visually appealing, but they are also packed with nutrition.

By selecting a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers, you create a colorful palette that beckons to be enjoyed.

Each pepper serves as a vessel, generously filled with a creamy mixture that includes cottage cheese.

This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful creaminess that complements the peppers.

The combination of fresh herbs and spices elevates the taste, making each bite not only satisfying but also refreshing.

Creating the Creamy Filling

The filling for the stuffed peppers is where the magic happens. With a combination of cottage cheese, cooked rice or quinoa, and diced tomatoes, this mixture becomes both hearty and flavorful.

The addition of onions, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning introduces a savory note, tying all the elements together.

Mixing these ingredients in a large bowl allows for even distribution of flavor, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with deliciousness.

The creamy texture of the cottage cheese serves as the base, while the other components provide substance and depth.

This filling is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that speaks to comfort food.

Preparing the Peppers for Baking

Once the filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the peppers. Carefully slicing off the tops of each bell pepper and removing the seeds paves the way for a beautiful presentation.

This step not only makes them easier to fill but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the dish.

Positioning the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish is essential for even cooking. This method allows the edges to caramelize slightly, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peppers.

The vibrant colors of the peppers become even more pronounced during the baking process, creating an inviting and appetizing appearance.

The Finishing Touches: Melty Cheese and Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper is the finishing touch that brings everything together.

As the peppers bake, the cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden and bubbly layer that adds richness to the dish.

Once they are out of the oven, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor.

This elevates the stuffed peppers with cottage cheese from a simple meal to an enticing centerpiece for any table.

Here’s Why You’ll Love My Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese

If you love healthy, protein-rich meals that don’t sacrifice flavor, these stuffed peppers are for you!

The cottage cheese makes the filling incredibly creamy while adding a nutritious boost, and the combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices brings it all together.

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but you can easily customize it by adding ground turkey, chicken, or beans.

Plus, these stuffed peppers are baked to perfection, making them an easy, hands-off meal that works for both busy weeknights and meal prep.

What To Serve With Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese

These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm bowl of soup.

The salad adds a crunchy texture and allows for a balanced meal, while the bread is perfect for soaking up any juices that may remain on the plate.

If you want something heartier, serve them with garlic bread, quinoa, or brown rice. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, pair them with tzatziki or hummus on the side.

Serving this dish on a rustic wooden table enhances the homely feel of the meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

The vibrant colors of the stuffed peppers combined with the greens of the salad and the warm tones of the bread create a visually appealing spread that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Nutritional Benefits of Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers with cottage cheese are not only delicious but also boast a range of nutritional benefits.

With a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, this dish provides a satisfying meal that can fit into various dietary preferences.

Each serving contains a good amount of protein from the cottage cheese, while the peppers contribute vitamins and minerals essential for overall health.

Their vibrant colors represent different nutrients, making this dish a wholesome choice without compromising on flavor or enjoyment.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese

  • Pick firm, evenly-sized bell peppers so they stand upright while baking.
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  • Drain the cottage cheese slightly if it’s too watery to prevent a soggy filling.
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  • Pre-bake the peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing them if you prefer a softer texture.
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  • Customize the filling by adding cooked quinoa, rice, or ground meat.
    .
  • Sprinkle cheese on top for an extra golden, bubbly crust.
Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese
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Stuffed Peppers with Cottage Cheese

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: Mediterranean / AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture)

  • ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

  • ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

  • ½ cup spinach, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup onion, finely diced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Directions

  • Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

  • Prepare the Bell Peppers:

  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright in the baking dish.

  • Make the Filling:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add diced tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cooked quinoa (or rice), cottage cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  • Stuff the Peppers:
  • Fill each pepper generously with the cottage cheese mixture.
  • If using, sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top.

  • Bake:

  • Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
  • Add ¼ cup water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese (if used) is melted and golden.

  • Serve & Enjoy:

  • Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Make it vegan: Swap cottage cheese for mashed tofu or cashew ricotta.
  • Make it meaty: Add cooked ground turkey or beef to the filling.
  • Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots blend in seamlessly.
  • For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    .
  • Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until heated through.
    .
  • Freezing: Stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.