Keto Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers: Easy, Cheesy, And Delicious!

how to make a keto low carb stuffed peppers

Keto and low-carb diets are becoming increasingly popular, and stuffed peppers are a great way to enjoy a tasty and healthy meal that aligns with these dietary preferences. This dish typically consists of bell peppers filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese, and baked to perfection.

The process of making keto stuffed peppers is relatively simple and can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences. By preparing the filling, stuffing the peppers, and baking them in the oven, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

The beauty of keto stuffed peppers lies in their versatility. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, cheeses, and additional ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Furthermore, this dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenient meals, making it a favorite among those seeking quick and nutritious options.

In conclusion, keto stuffed peppers offer a delicious and healthy option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. With a variety of ingredients and easy preparation methods, this dish is a tasty and satisfying addition to any meal plan.

Characteristics	Values
Prep Time	10-20 minutes
Cook Time	20-45 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes - 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients	Bell peppers, olive oil, onion, garlic, ground beef, Italian seasoning, sea salt, onion powder, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, cheese, cauliflower rice, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, ground cumin, walnuts, celery, zucchini, thyme, oregano, chicken bone broth, egg, ground pork, cheddar cheese, parsley, avocado, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, tomato paste, ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, black olives, jalapeños, avocado sauce, Greek yoghurt, lime juice, cilantro, spinach, cabbage, pepperoni, ground chicken, ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mozzarella cheese

Choosing your ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential to making delicious keto-friendly stuffed peppers. Here are some tips to help you select the best components for your dish:

Peppers

Green bell peppers are the lowest in carbs, followed by red and yellow peppers. Choose peppers that can stand upright to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Before stuffing, wash the peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds and white membranes. If the peppers don't have a stable base, trim a small portion from the bottom to create a flat surface. You can also rinse the inside of the peppers again to ensure they are free of seeds.

Meat

Any ground meat will work, including beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. If you want to reduce the fat content, opt for leaner cuts of meat. For a vegetarian option, use vegan crumbles made from beans and other keto-friendly ingredients.

Vegetables and Seasonings

Onions, garlic, and zucchini are great additions to the filling. You can also add mushrooms, spinach, or minced garlic for extra flavour. For seasoning, dried oregano, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper are excellent choices. If you want to give your dish a Mexican twist, add some taco seasoning.

Cheese

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone, gouda, and cheddar are all suitable options for topping your peppers. You can also add Parmesan for a gooey texture.

Rice

Cauliflower rice is a keto-friendly alternative to traditional rice. You can prepare it yourself or use pre-cooked or frozen cauliflower rice to save time.

Additional Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try sliced jalapeños, black olives, avocado sauce, pesto sauce, or crumbled bacon for a savoury and crispy touch.

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Prepping the peppers

Oven-Baked Method

To prep the peppers for the oven-baked method, start by preheating your oven to 350°F-400°F. While the oven is heating up, cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes inside. You can use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop them out. Check the bottom of the bell peppers to ensure they have a stable base. If they wobble, trim a small portion from the bottom to create a flat surface so the peppers can stand upright. Rinse the peppers under cold water to remove any remaining seeds or debris. You can also rinse the insides of the peppers once more if desired.

Air Fryer Method

For the air fryer method, preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. You don't need to trim the bottoms since air fryers cook with a basket. Rinse the peppers under cold water to remove any remaining seeds or debris. Blot the peppers dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before placing them in the air fryer.

Instant Pot/Slow Cooker Method

For the Instant Pot or slow cooker method, there is no additional prep needed beyond cutting off the tops, removing the seeds and membranes, and giving the peppers a quick rinse under cold water. Blot the peppers dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before placing them in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.

Filling the Peppers

Now that your peppers are prepped and ready, it's time to fill them with the delicious stuffing! Each recipe varies, but common ingredients include ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, spices, tomato paste or sauce, cauliflower rice, and cheese. Mix your filling ingredients in a bowl, and then generously stuff each pepper until it is filled to the top. You can pack the mixture down lightly to fit more filling inside. Top each pepper with shredded cheese, and they are ready to be baked!

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Making the filling

The filling is the star of the show in these keto-friendly stuffed peppers. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and nutritious filling:

Ingredients

Ground beef or alternative protein (ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
Olive oil or alternative cooking oil (avocado oil, coconut oil, etc.)
Aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic, zucchini, etc.)
Spices and seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, etc.)
Tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, marinara sauce, etc.)
Cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
Cheese (shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Mexican blend, etc.)
Optional mix-ins (walnuts, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. You can also add other aromatic vegetables like garlic, zucchini, or celery at this stage.
Brown the protein: Add your ground beef or alternative protein to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add spices and tomatoes: Mix in your choice of spices and seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, or cumin. Add canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or marinara sauce to the mixture. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
Stir in cauliflower rice: Turn off the heat and stir in the cauliflower rice. You can also add other mix-ins like walnuts, mushrooms, or spinach at this stage.
Combine with cheese: Finally, add shredded cheese to the mixture and stir well. You can use half the cheese in the filling and reserve the other half for topping the peppers before baking.

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Baking the peppers

Now that you've gathered and measured all the ingredients, it's time to bake the peppers! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and scooping out the seeds and membranes. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the tops and a small spoon to scoop out the seeds. Place the empty bell peppers in an oven-proof dish and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the peppers and reduce the overall baking time later.

Prepare the Filling

While the bell peppers are baking, you can prepare the filling. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or any other oil of your choice. Add the ground beef, spices, and aromatics (such as onion, garlic, and celery) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.

Next, add the tomato paste/sauce, diced tomatoes, and cauliflower rice (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors combine. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms or zucchini at this stage.

Stuff and Bake the Peppers

Once the filling is ready, it's time to stuff the peppers! Remove the partially baked bell peppers from the oven and stuff them with the filling. You can fill them generously, making sure the filling is packed in tightly. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.

Place the filled peppers in a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also turn on the broiler for the last few minutes to get a golden, crispy topping.

Serving and Storing

These keto stuffed peppers are best served hot. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They go well with sides such as cauliflower mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crunchy salad.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual peppers in the microwave for a quicker option.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy keto stuffed peppers!