Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off tops, remove seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms if needed to stand upright.
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add spinach (if using) until wilted. Remove from heat.
  3. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, half the mozzarella, sautéed aromatics (including spinach if using), egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
  4. Spoon ricotta mixture into each pepper.
  5. Place peppers in baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Cover dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil. Bake 5 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving.