One-Pan Cottage Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ small onion (finely chopped)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Peppers
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil.

2. Prepare the Filling
   Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
   Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling
   In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, sautéed spinach mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well.

4. Stuff the Peppers
   Fill each pepper generously with the cottage cheese mixture.

5. Cook (One-Pan Method)
   Place stuffed peppers upright in a large covered pan. Add 2–3 tablespoons water to the bottom.
   Cover and cook on low heat for 18–22 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

6. Optional Golden Top
   Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and cook uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until slightly golden.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Q & A

Q1: Can I bake these instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes! Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until peppers are soft.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or pan.

Q4: Can I add protein?
Yes! Add cooked chicken, turkey, or quinoa to make it more filling.

Q5: Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and high in protein due to cottage cheese.