Looking for a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that fits your keto lifestyle? Look no further than these keto stuffed bell peppers with cream cheese! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, quick to prepare, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. These low-carb stuffed peppers offer a delightful combination of flavor and texture, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal prep option.
Why Stuffed Bell Peppers are a Keto Dream
Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic choice for those following a keto diet for several reasons:
- Low in Carbs: Green bell peppers, the preferred choice for this recipe, are naturally low in carbs, making them keto-approved.
- Versatile: You can customize the fillings to your liking, ensuring you never get bored.
- Nutrient-Rich: Bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, adding valuable nutrients to your keto diet.
Two Ways to Make Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers
Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese
This recipe offers a classic take on stuffed bell peppers, using ground beef and melted cheese for a comforting and familiar flavor.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or orange)
- Ground beef (can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage)
- Cream cheese
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- Salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Season with salt. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and one diced bell pepper.
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the remaining bell peppers in half from stem to end. Remove the seeds and membranes.
- Stuff the Peppers: Add the filling to each of the bell pepper halves.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers on a parchment or foil-lined baking tray or dish. Sprinkle cheese over each stuffed pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keto Bacon Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cream Cheese
For a smoky and savory twist, try these bacon-stuffed bell peppers.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or orange)
- Bacon (cooked and chopped)
- Cream cheese
- Onion (diced)
- Mushrooms (diced)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook bacon, drain the fat, and let it cool. Wash and dry the bell peppers. Spray a large oven-safe dish with non-stick spray. Remove the tops and stems of your bell peppers. Slice bell peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Sprinkle the bell peppers with a little salt (to taste).
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the mushrooms (cleaned and diced), bacon, onion, and cream cheese. Mix well.
- Stuff and Bake: Stuff each bell pepper with a generous amount of filling. Next, sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired) then top with the mozzarella cheese. Bake covered with aluminum foil for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is well melted.
Tips and Variations for Keto Stuffed Bell Pepper Perfection
- Pepper Choice: While green bell peppers are the lowest in carbs, feel free to use a mix of colors for added sweetness and visual appeal. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers have slightly more net carbs but are still suitable for a keto diet.
- Protein Power: Experiment with different ground meats like chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding ingredients like cauliflower rice, olives, or tomatoes.
- Cheese Please: Don't be afraid to mix and match different shredded cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
- Freezing for Later: Stuffed peppers can be frozen for 1-2 months. Assemble and cook the recipe as instructed. Once cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Avoiding Soggy Peppers: To prevent soggy peppers, avoid overbaking them and drain any excess liquid or grease from the ground beef before adding it to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These keto stuffed bell peppers are delicious on their own as a satisfying and complete meal. However, you can also serve them with:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Low-carb bread
- Cauliflower rice
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on ground beef recipe):
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients
- Net Carbs: Approximately 5-7 grams (depending on pepper color and fillings)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto