Category: Mozzarella

Pizza Melts

Pizza melts are like a cross between your two favorite comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese. They’re fast, easy, and the perfect quick meal!

The post Pizza Melts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What do you get when a grilled cheese and a pepperoni pizza have a baby? A PIZZA MELT! (Sorry for yelling, I’m excited.) I used to eat these as an after-school snack when I was growing up because they’re super easy and who doesn’t want pizza? But now, decades later, I took this pizza-inspired sandwich to the next level by adding an herby-Parmesan butter to the bread which creates an extra crispy finish. It’s to die for and way better than the pizza melts of my teen years. You’ve got to try it!

A stack of pizza melts cut in half on a plate against a blue background

What Kind of Bread To Use for Pizza Melts

You definitely want to use some sort of sturdy bread for your pizza melt. If you try to use a soft white sandwich bread it just won’t hold up to the moisture in the pizza sauce. I used a sourdough loaf, which gave my pizza melts even more flavor. Something like a rosemary olive oil bread or some homemade focaccia would also be amazing. Just make sure the bread is strong!

What Else Can You Put on a Pizza Melt?

A pizza melt, even in its most basic form (pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni), is awesome, but if you happen to have some leftover ingredients on hand and you want to throw them on there, go for it! Here are a few ideas:

  • Diced bell pepper
  • Olives
  • Red onion
  • Bacon bits
  • Ham
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Feta cheese
  • Banana peppers
  • Sun dried tomatoes

I would caution against using any ingredient that is very wet, like fresh tomatoes or canned artichoke hearts, since this can make the bread soggy.

Use Medium-Low Heat for the Perfect Grilled Cheese

Making a grilled cheese with a perfectly browned exterior and melty-cheesy interior can take a little practice. My trick is to cook over a slightly lower heat. This gives the inside time to warm up before the outside gets too brown or burns. It might take a little more patience, but you’ll get the most perfectly delicious grilled cheese. …or pizza melt. :)

cut open pizza melt being held close to the camera
A stack of pizza melts, cut sides facing camera

Pizza Melt

Pizza melts are like a cross between your two favorite comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese. They're fast, easy, and the perfect quick meal!
Total Cost $1.11 each
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 451kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp butter, room temperature $0.11
  • 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan $0.11
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.05
  • 2 slices hearty bread $0.44
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella $0.19
  • 1 Tbsp pizza sauce $0.06
  • 6 slices pepperoni $0.15

Instructions

  • Stir together the room temperature butter, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl until evenly combined. Spread the Parmesan butter over one side of each slice of bread.
  • Flip the bread over so the un-buttered side is facing up. Place half of the shredded mozzarella on one slice of bread. Next, add small dollops of the sauce over top of the cheese, followed by the sliced pepperoni. Finally, add the remaining cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top to close the sandwich, butter side facing out.
  • Place the sandwich in a skillet and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted on the inside. Cut the sandwich in half and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 991mg | Fiber: 3g
Two pizza melts on a plates with bread, sauce, and cheese on the sides

How to Make a Pizza Melt – Step by Step Photos

Herby Parmesan butter in a bowl

Combine 1 Tbsp room temperature butter with 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Mix them together until they form a paste.

Buttered bread on a cutting board

Spread the Parmesan butter over one side each slice of bread.

Cheese and pizza sauce added to the bread

Flip the bread over so the un-buttered side is facing up, then top one slice with ½ of the ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella. Add about 1 Tbsp pizza sauce in small dollops over the cheese (that helps make a barrier so the sauce doesn’t soak into the bread and make it too soggy).

pepperoni and cheese added to the sandwich

Next add about six slices of pepperoni, and then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.

pizza melt cooking in a skillet

Cook the pizza melt in a skillet over medium-low heat until it’s golden brown and crispy on both sides and the cheese inside is melted.

pizza melt cut in half on a cutting board

Cut the pizza melt in half and enjoy!

a pizza melt sandwich on a plate with ingredients on the sides

The post Pizza Melts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

These Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches are an easy vegetarian dish with plenty of options for customizing to fit your tastes and budget.

The post Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I had a craving for a grilled eggplant sandwich the other day but 1) I don’t have a grill and 2) that sounded like a lot of work, so I made this quick skillet version instead. The resulting Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches are a “meaty” combo of sautéed eggplant drenched with marinara sauce, piled high onto a garlic butter toasted bun, then topped off with melty mozzarella cheese. YES PLEASE.

Three Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches on a wooden board

What to Serve with Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

These eggplant sandwiches are pretty filling, so I would pair them with something super simple, like a very basic side salad (greens + vinaigrette) to kind of lighten up the plate. Or, if you want something more vegetable-packed, they would be awesome with Marinated Cauliflower Salad, Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, or Simple Sautéed Vegetables.

Sandwich Sizes and Servings

This recipe makes about 3-4 sandwiches, depending on the size of your eggplant and the size of your rolls or buns. I used hoagie buns that were about 6 inches in length and an eggplant that was about 8-inches long and I was able to make three large sandwiches. If you were to use round rolls, you’d probably get four piled-high sandwiches.

How to Store Leftovers

These sandwiches definitely need to be consumed right when they’re assembled, so if you’re in a smaller household that won’t be eating all three or four sandwiches at once, make sure to store the components separately. Keep the sautéed eggplant with red sauce in its own container and reheat either in a skillet or in the microwave. Butter and toast your bread just before assembly, then add the eggplant and cheese, and briefly heat to melt the cheese.

Mozzarella Options

I used fresh mozzarella because it melts so beautifully and I can get it for a decent price. If fresh mozzarella is not available or not available at a reasonable price, you can use shredded mozzarella instead. Full-fat mozzarella will always melt better than part-skim, but part-skim will work in a pinch.

three eggplant mozzarella sandwiches in a line, angled away from the camera
front view of one eggplant mozzarella sandwich

Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

Total Cost $6.41 recipe / $2.14 each
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 3 to 4 sandwiches
Calories 455kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant (8" length) $1.49
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
  • 1 cup marinara sauce $0.50
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 4 rolls $1.53
  • 1 Tbsp butter $0.11
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 4 oz. mozzarella $2.00

Instructions

  • Cube the eggplant into ½-inch cubes. Mince the garlic.
  • Heat 2 Tbsp of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, then add the cubed eggplant and Italian seasoning. Continue to sauté until the eggplant is soft (5-7 minutes).
  • Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the eggplant, stir to combine, then heat through (3-5 minutes). Taste and season with salt (about ½ tsp).
  • Preheat the boiler on your oven and make sure the oven rack is positioned in the middle. Combine the second 2 Tbsp olive oil with the butter and garlic powder. Microwave for 15-30 seconds to melt the butter, then stir to combine.
  • Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Brush the butter and olive oil mixture over the cut surfaces of the rolls. Bake under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until they are just barely golden brown (watch them closely as broilers can vary).
  • After removing the rolls from the oven, switch the setting from broil to bake (350ºF). Pile the eggplant mixture onto the toasted rolls, then top with mozzarella. Return the sandwiches to the hot oven and bake for about 5 minutes more, or until the mozzarella is melted. Serve hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 1110mg | Fiber: 6g
front view of one eggplant mozzarella sandwich

How to Make Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches – Step by Step Photos

Cubed eggplant

Cube one eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes. Mince two cloves of garlic.

Minced garlic in oil in a skillet

Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Cubed eggplant in the skillet with Italian seasoning

Add the cubed eggplant and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Continue to sauté until the eggplant is soft (5-7 minutes).

Marinara sauce being added to sautéed eggplant in the skillet

Once the eggplant is soft, add 1 cup marinara sauce.

Finished eggplant with marinara in the skillet

Stir to combine the eggplant and sauce, then heat through. Taste and season with salt (about ½ tsp).

Garlic butter and oil being brushed onto rolls

Preheat the broiler on your oven and make sure the oven’s rack is in the middle position. Place your buns or rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. Combine the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp butter, and ¼ tsp garlic powder. Microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until melted, then stir to combine. Brush the butter and oil mixture over the cut surface of the rolls.

Eggplant mixture being spooned onto toasted rolls

Toast the rolls under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until they are barely golden brown. Watch them closely, as broilers can vary quite a bit. Once toasted, switch the oven’s setting from broil to bake (350ºF). Spoon the eggplant mixture onto the rolls.

sandwiches topped with mozzarella

Top the eggplant mixture with mozzarella (about 1 oz. per sandwich).

Baked eggplant sandwiches on the baking sheet

Return the sandwiches to the oven and bake for a few minutes more, or until the mozzarella is melted.

Eggplant sandwiches ready to serve

Serve the eggplant mozzarella sandwiches while they’re still hot! (I added a little chopped parsley for color, but it’s not needed for flavor)

three stacked eggplant mozzarella sandwiches on a wooden board

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Caprese Sandwich

Picnic season is here! There’s never been a better time to picnic. We’ve enjoyed a lovely extended spring here in Kansas City. Our homegrown tomatoes won’t be…

The post Caprese Sandwich appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

vegetarian baguette sandwich recipe

Picnic season is here! There’s never been a better time to picnic. We’ve enjoyed a lovely extended spring here in Kansas City. Our homegrown tomatoes won’t be ready for a while, but I wanted to share my favorite picnic sandwich with you since I’m able to find great tomatoes at the store now.

This Caprese sandwich recipe is inspired by the classic Caprese salad. It features ripe red tomatoes and sliced fresh mozzarella with the most irresistible creamy basil sauce. For extra flavor, I also added a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a small handful of arugula.

Caprese sandwich ingredients

Sandwich all of that inside a crusty loaf of French baguette, and you will have a perfectly portable sandwich for picnics or road trips. Or, enjoy it at home for a quick meal from now through the end of tomato season this fall.

Just remember—the better the bread and the tomatoes, the better the sandwich!

Continue to the recipe...

The post Caprese Sandwich appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Classic Asparagus Quiche

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! Smoked mozzarella and feta make an irresistible filling for the flaky pastry crust. The buttery scent of this recipe in the oven may win you one or two marriage proposals…or at least it will have the neighbors wandering by to snatch up leftovers. Try this crowd-pleasing Asparagus Quiche! It’s packed with savory, cozy flavor, perfect for spring brunches or light dinners with a crisp glass of white wine. We won’t lie: it is a bit of a project. But it’s worth every second of time for the satisfaction you’ll get from making a quiche from scratch. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance…and we’ve got some cheater steps too. We served it to guests who went gaga over this one. Come: let’s make quiche! How to make this asparagus quiche recipe: an overview! In under 2 hours, you’ve got a complete masterpiece of an asparagus quiche recipe: made completely from scratch. That includes a homemade quiche crust. Want a shortcut? You can do storebought crust too: see below. But we highly recommend the homemade crust: it’s crispy, buttery perfection. Here’s what to expect from this process timing-wise: Make the pie dough 20 […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! Smoked mozzarella and feta make an irresistible filling for the flaky pastry crust.

Asparagus quiche

The buttery scent of this recipe in the oven may win you one or two marriage proposals…or at least it will have the neighbors wandering by to snatch up leftovers. Try this crowd-pleasing Asparagus Quiche! It’s packed with savory, cozy flavor, perfect for spring brunches or light dinners with a crisp glass of white wine. We won’t lie: it is a bit of a project. But it’s worth every second of time for the satisfaction you’ll get from making a quiche from scratch. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance…and we’ve got some cheater steps too. We served it to guests who went gaga over this one. Come: let’s make quiche!

How to make this asparagus quiche recipe: an overview!

In under 2 hours, you’ve got a complete masterpiece of an asparagus quiche recipe: made completely from scratch. That includes a homemade quiche crust. Want a shortcut? You can do storebought crust too: see below. But we highly recommend the homemade crust: it’s crispy, buttery perfection. Here’s what to expect from this process timing-wise:

Make the pie dough20 minutes, active
Freeze the dough10 minutes, inactive
Blind bake the dough + make the filling25 minutes, active
Bake the quiche40 to 50 minutes, inactive
Asparagus quiche recipe

Tips for making homemade quiche crust

Ever made a quiche crust from scratch? It’s pretty simple, but you do need a few dough-making techniques. Above all: have confidence! Working with dough takes time and practice. If it’s your first time, give yourself some grace. (Let us know if you have any questions in the comments or on Instagram!)

  • Use a standard 9-inch pie plate, not deep dish. Deep dish will be too thick for the filling amount here.
  • A pastry cloth is helpful, but not necessary. It helps for rolling out the dough so it doesn’t stick on the counter. If you don’t have one, just lightly dust the counter with flour.
  • Use the tines of a fork to decorate the edge. We’re fans of the lines a fork tine makes for a quiche crust. Of course, you could do a fluted edge too, like this one.
  • You’ll freeze the crust 10 minutes before blind baking it. Why? This helps the crust to hold its shape while blind baking. (This freezer method shortcuts refrigerating for a few hours. You’re welcome!) What’s blind baking? Well, we’re glad you asked…

The key? Blind bake the crust!

The biggest key to making an asparagus quiche recipe, or any quiche for that matter? Blind baking the crust. Blind baking is baking a pie crust without the filling. This makes sure that crust is perfectly firm before you add the wet filling, which avoids the soggy crust problem. This is especially important for a custard pie like a quiche, because the filling is so wet. If you don’t blind bake, you’ll get soggy bottom crust for sure (we did). Here’s what to know about blind baking and how to get the perfect flaky crust:

  • Prick holes with a fork all over the crust. This is called docking the crust: it makes it puff up less while in the oven.
  • Add pie weights: like dried beans or rice! You can use ceramic pie weights (we used these) to weigh down the crust so it doesn’t get too puffy. Or, you can use dried beans or dry rice! It doesn’t harm the beans or rice: you can still cook them as normal after using them as weights.
Asparagus quiche recipe

Want a shortcut? Use store-bought crust

Yes, you can short-cut the effort to make your homemade crust and go with a store-bought pastry crust. Any type of purchased pie crust works (we don’t have a favorite brand since we always make our own). You’ll still need to blind bake the store-bought crust! So start in the recipe below at Step 3.

This asparagus quiche recipe is easy to make in advance

Yes, it takes about 2 hours to make! But here’s the thing: only about 1 hour of it is active time. Even better: it saves VERY well. It’s so easy to make the night before, or even a few days in advance! Here’s what to do:

  • Make the entire quiche 1 to 3 days in advance. Then refrigerate it until serving!
  • Warm in a 200 degree oven for about 20 minutes before serving. It’s also delicious cold, but we like it warmed up.
  • Saves 5 days refrigerated. Wrap it in plastic or aluminum to keep it fresh.
Asparagus quiche

Ways to serve asparagus quiche

This asparagus quiche recipe is a total showstopper! We served this at a spring birthday brunch for my mom and everyone went crazy over it. In fact, it was suddenly gone before we knew it! It was absolutely perfect for a festive occasion (it would be great for Easter or Mother’s Day). While recipe testing, we also ate it for dinner: which was perfect as well. Here are some ways we’d accessorize it:

How would you serve it? Let us know in the comments below!

This asparagus quiche recipe is…

Vegetarian.

Print

Classic Asparagus Quiche

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This asparagus quiche is a total showstopper! Smoked mozzarella and feta make an irresistible filling for the flaky pastry crust. 

Ingredients

For the quiche crust*

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons ice water

For the asparagus quiche

  • 4 ounces asparagus (about 8 thin stalks)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 3 ounces (about 3/4 cup) smoked mozzarella or smoked gouda, grated
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Make the quiche crust: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Slice the butter into pieces, then cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until a coarse meal texture is obtained. Sprinkle the ice water over the flour 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gradually with fork until the dough sticks together. Add additional water by the tablespoon until the dough comes together but is not sticky. Form the dough into a ball.
  2. Roll out and freeze the dough: If you have a pastry cloth, set it up and dust it with flour; otherwise, flour a clean work surface. Put on a rolling pin cover (optional), and either way, dust the pin in flour. Roll the dough to an even 12-inch circle (which corresponds to the 9-inch pie pan). Use a rolling pin to transfer the dough to the pie pan (make sure it is standard and not deep dish). Fold the overhanging dough backwards and seal it to form a rim. Then press it with the tines of a fork to decorate the edges (see the photos). Use a fork to gently prick holes in the bottom and sides of the crust (this helps it to not puff up while blind baking). Freeze the crust for 10 minutes before blind baking. 
  3. Blind bake the crust: Remove the dough from the freezer and place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the crust. Fill the dough with pie weights (we used two sets of these), dry beans, or dry rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights and bake additional 8 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and go to Step 5.
  4. Saute the asparagus: Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and trim off the ends. Cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the asparagus, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grind black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the largest pieces are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. This depends on the thickness and maturity of the asparagus, so it’s different every time! Taste and remove when it’s just tender and still bright green, but not crunchy.
  5. Reduce the oven heat: When the crust is done blind baking, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  6. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and several grinds black pepper. Place the grated smoked mozzarella cheese in bottom of the crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle the sauteed asparagus and feta cheese crumbles.
  7. Bake: Bake 40 to 50 minutes minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Cool at least two hours. It’s easiest to make the night before, so you can refrigerate until serving. Re-warm in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. (You can also serve it cold.) Leftovers stay for 5 days refrigerated. 

Notes

*You can also use a storebought pastry crust to shortcut some time. You’ll still need to blind bake the crust, so start with Step 3.

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Asparagus quiche, asparagus quiche recipe

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are awesome, but I always find them slightly awkward or difficult to eat. Can’t I just throw the ingredients in a bowl and eat it with a fork?! (I feel that way about a lot of food, TBH). So that’s what I ended up doing! These super simple unstuffed bell peppers are […]

The post Unstuffed Bell Peppers appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Stuffed bell peppers are awesome, but I always find them slightly awkward or difficult to eat. Can’t I just throw the ingredients in a bowl and eat it with a fork?! (I feel that way about a lot of food, TBH). So that’s what I ended up doing! These super simple unstuffed bell peppers are cooked in one skillet to make your (my) life super easy and delicious. #yesplease

Originally posted 8-13-2014, updated 2-4-2021.

Overhead view of unstuffed bell peppers in the skillet with a spoon.

Can I Use Cauliflower Rice Instead of White Rice?

Unfortunately, you can not swap out cauliflower rice for the white rice in this recipe. Cauliflower rice releases liquid as it cooks, whereas white rice absorbs it, so you’ll end up with a stuffed bell pepper soup. :) But hey, that actually doesn’t sound so bad! You can also try using cauli rice and skipping the broth, but you’ll be missing a lot of flavor with that option.

Can I Freeze Unstuffed Bell Peppers?

Yes, this recipe freezes great! Make sure to divide the skillet into single serving portions just after cooking, and chill them completely in the refrigerator before transferring to the freezer. Once frozen, they’ll keep in the freezer for about three months and can be reheated in the microwave straight from the freezer (use the defrost setting first, then high until heated through).

Tips for Making One-Pot Rice Dishes

Even cooking plain rice on the stovetop can be a bit challenging for some folks, and when you add in other ingredients it can end up a little more tricky. To make sure your rice cooks thoroughly and evenly, keep these things in mind:

  • Cookware: A really good quality (thick and heavy) skillet is really important for making this recipe work correctly. Heavy cookware conducts heat really evenly so the sides of your skillet will cook at the same rate as the part that is right above the flame. If it’s a thin skillet, it might scorch right in the center and leave the outer edges uncooked. If you don’t have a good skillet, a dutch oven or heavy soup pot would also work well.
  • Heat level: Another key to cooking rice is making sure the water in the pot (or skillet) is simmering the whole time, but the heat is not so high that it burns on the bottom. So once you’ve got everything in the pot and have already brought everything up to a boil, turn the heat down to the lowest setting that still maintains a light simmer. Since this can vary from stove to stove and the type of cookware you’re using, you’ll need to adjust this based on what you’re hearing and seeing in the pot. Once you get the hang of it, though, it will be easy!
  • Use a burner close in size to the bottom of your pot or skillet. If you’re using a wide bottomed pot or skillet over a very small burner, the outside edges of your pot or skillet may not receive enough heat to simmer and cook the rice through. 

Close up side view of unstuffed bell peppers in the skillet

Love skillet meals? Check out my Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet, Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet, or One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice.

Close up side view of unstuffed bell peppers in the skillet

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

All the ingredients and flavor of stuffed bell peppers cooked in one skillet for an easy, free-form bowl meal. It's UNstuffed Bell Peppers!
Total Cost $8.02 recipe / $1.34 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 1 ⅓ cups each
Calories 320.53kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic $0.08
  • 1 yellow onion $0.32
  • 2 bell peppers $1.53
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef $2.85
  • 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes $1.00
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked) $0.62
  • 1 tsp dried basil $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried oregano $0.10
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1.5 cups beef broth $0.07
  • 1 8oz. can tomato sauce $0.26
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.01
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella $0.85
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish) $0.05

Instructions

  • Mince the garlic and dice the onion and bell pepper.
  • Add the olive oil and ground beef to a deep skillet. Cook the beef over medium heat until it is fully browned.
  • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, basil, oregano, and pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the onions are soft.
  • Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), uncooked rice, and beef broth. Give everything a brief stir to combine.
  • Place a lid on the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Allow the broth to come up to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let it continue to simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest, lid still in place, for another five minutes.
  • While the pot is simmering, combine the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Once the rice has rested for 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff it with a fork, gently folding the ingredients back together (peppers and tomatoes may float to the top while it simmers).
  • Pour the prepared tomato sauce over top, then sprinkled the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Place the lid back on top and let the heat from the skillet melt the mozzarella. Once melted, sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.33cups | Calories: 320.53kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.55g | Protein: 15.75g | Fat: 12.78g | Sodium: 646.32mg | Fiber: 3.88g

Scroll down for the step by step photos!

A fork lifting some rice and cheese from a bowl of unstuffed bell peppers

How to Make Unstuffed Bell Peppers – Step by Step Photos

browned ground beef with diced onion, bell pepper, and herbs

Mince one clove of garlic and dice a yellow onion and bell pepper. Add ½ lb. ground beef to a deep skillet with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Cook the ground beef over medium heat until it has fully browned. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and about ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the onions are soft.

Tomatoes, rice, and broth added to the skillet.

Next, add one 15oz. can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, and 1.5 cups beef broth to the skillet. 

Combined ingredients in the skillet

Give everything a brief stir to combine. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high and allow the broth to come up to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let it continue to simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest, lid still in place, for an additional 5 minutes.

Worcestershire sauce being added to tomato sauce

While the rice is simmering, prepare the tomato sauce. Combine one 8oz. can of tomato sauce with 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Set the sauce aside.

Rice being fluffed with a fork in the skillet

After the rice has rested for five minutes, remove the lid and fluff it with a fork, gently folding the tomatoes and peppers back into the rice.

Cheese being added to the skillet

Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the rice in the skillet, then top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Place the lid back on the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

finished unstuffed bell peppers in the skillet topped with parsley

Top with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve!

Unstuffed Bell Peppers skillet with lid on the side

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Shrimp Pizza (3 Cheese!)

This shrimp pizza recipe is full of big flavor, starring buttery shrimp and 3 cheeses! It’s garlicky, creamy, and a total crowd pleaser. We’ve made just about every pizza recipe, from classic Pizza Margherita to fusions style taco pizza. But here’s a new-to-us pizza that instantly jumped to the top of our list: this 3 Cheese Shrimp Pizza! Shrimp on a pizza isn’t what might first jump to mind. But let me tell you: it’s a must try! The garlicky, buttery shrimp against creamy ricotta cheese is one of the best pizza topping combinations we’ve had in a while. It’s so satisfying, you’ll be hooked. It’s like shrimp alfredo on a pizza crust instead of noodles…which is just as good as it sounds. How to make the best shrimp pizza (basic method) Shrimp on pizza isn’t usually our first choice. But after eating an incredible seafood pizza at one of our favorite pizza joints in town, we knew we had to try it! Our version isn’t much like theirs (so you’ll have to go try it!). But what it does have in common: juicy, buttery garlicky shrimp! Here’s what to do to make the best shrimp pizza recipe: Saute the […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This shrimp pizza recipe is full of big flavor, starring buttery shrimp and 3 cheeses! It’s garlicky, creamy, and a total crowd pleaser.

Shrimp pizza

We’ve made just about every pizza recipe, from classic Pizza Margherita to fusions style taco pizza. But here’s a new-to-us pizza that instantly jumped to the top of our list: this 3 Cheese Shrimp Pizza! Shrimp on a pizza isn’t what might first jump to mind. But let me tell you: it’s a must try! The garlicky, buttery shrimp against creamy ricotta cheese is one of the best pizza topping combinations we’ve had in a while. It’s so satisfying, you’ll be hooked. It’s like shrimp alfredo on a pizza crust instead of noodles…which is just as good as it sounds.

How to make the best shrimp pizza (basic method)

Shrimp on pizza isn’t usually our first choice. But after eating an incredible seafood pizza at one of our favorite pizza joints in town, we knew we had to try it! Our version isn’t much like theirs (so you’ll have to go try it!). But what it does have in common: juicy, buttery garlicky shrimp! Here’s what to do to make the best shrimp pizza recipe:

  • Saute the shrimp with garlic and butter. Get that shrimp perfectly sauteed before you use it as a pizza topping! Use the instructions below or our sauteed shrimp recipe.
  • Spread seasoned ricotta on the dough. There’s no need to make an alfredo sauce: just spread lightly seasoned ricotta straight onto the dough.
  • Top with mozzarella and Parmesan and bake! All you need is 5 to 7 minutes in a super hot oven. It’s best if you have a pizza stone! Speaking of…
Saute pan with shrimp

Use a pizza stone if you can!

This shrimp pizza is best if you bake it on a pizza stone. Why? A pizza stone makes the absolute perfect crust texture! Here’s what to know:

  • Pizza stone: A pizza stone is what makes Italian pizza crust crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s the best pizza stone we’ve found, plus care tips.
  • Pizza peel: Use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone in the oven. We recommend this Standard pizza peel or this Conveyor pizza peel.

Don’t have a pizza stone? That’s ok too! You can make your pizza right on a baking sheet.

Homemade pizza dough is best, or use these shortcuts!

In our professional opinion: it’s always worth it to make homemade pizza dough! The result is far, far better than what you can buy at the store. But of course: there’s not always time for that! We get it. Here are a few options for the dough for this shrimp pizza recipe:

  • Master pizza dough! This Best Pizza Dough has the absolute perfect flavor and texture. It is sublime. This one takes 15 minutes to make and 45 minutes to proof before baking.
  • Thin crust. Try this Thin Crust Pizza Dough! It’s easy to roll out into a thinner, crispier crust.
  • Pan pizza. Or, make it as a pan pizza in a cast iron skillet! This option takes a little longer but it’s easier to pull off.
  • Naan or flatbread pizza. Want to shortcut the process altogether? Try Naan Pizza or Flatbread Pizza.
  • Store-bought pizza dough. We do it in a pinch, too! Find a good quality brand (experiment to find your favorite).
Shrimp pizza

The shrimp to buy for shrimp pizza

There are lots of options at the store when it comes to shrimp! It doesn’t matter if you accidentally grab the wrong one for this recipe: pizza is very forgiving! But here are a few things to look for:

  • Find medium shrimp. Medium is nice for a pizza topping: it’s also labeled as 41 to 50 count. You could also use small shrimp.
  • Use peeled shrimp. Often we recommend tail on, but you don’t want that for pizza! If you buy the wrong kind, just remove the shell before cooking.
  • Fresh or frozen. Both are essentially the same freshness because most shrimp are immediately flash frozen. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp in advance.
  • Wild caught. Look for wild caught: it’s the most sustainable!
Shrimp pizza recipe

What to serve with shrimp pizza

This shrimp pizza recipe is a perfect meal: it’s gooey, garlicky, cheesy and very filling! We like pairing it with a green salad or other veggie side to amp the meal’s veggie quotient. Here are some ideas:

This shrimp pizza recipe is…

Pescatarian.

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Shrimp pizza

Shrimp Pizza (3 Cheese!)

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices
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Description

This shrimp pizza recipe is full of big flavor, starring buttery shrimp and 3 cheeses! It’s garlicky, creamy, and a total crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 ball Best Pizza Dough (or Thin Crust Dough)
  • 1/2 pound medium shrimp, deveined and peeled
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the pizza dough: Follow the Best Pizza Dough or Thin Crust Dough recipe to prepare the dough. (This takes about 15 minutes to make and 45 minutes to rest.)
  2. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. (If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can make the pizza on a baking sheet.)
  3. Prepare the toppings: If frozen, thaw the shrimp in advance. Mince the garlic. Pat the shrimp dry. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. In a medium skillet, heat the butter on medium high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs. When done, transfer the shrimp to a bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with the 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
  5. Bake the pizza: When the oven is ready, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet or the back of a rimmed baking sheet. But a pizza peel is well worth the investment!) Stretch the dough into a circle; see How to Stretch Pizza Dough for instructions. Then gently place the dough onto the pizza peel.
  6. Spread the seasoned ricotta onto the dough then 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Add the shrimp, reserving the butter at the bottom of the bowl. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of the reserved butter (use about half). 
  7. Use the pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake the pizza until the cheese and crust are nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes in the oven (or 1 minute in a pizza oven).
  8. Top with the chopped parsley. Slice into pieces and serve immediately (cutting it with a knife is easiest to cut through the shrimp). 
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Pizza

Keywords: Shrimp pizza, Shrimp pizza recipe

More great pizza recipes

We live for pizza over here! If you do too, here are a few more of our top pizza recipes to try:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Easy Pinwheel Recipe

This pinwheel recipe is the ultimate finger food! These tortilla roll ups are perfect for entertaining and endlessly customizable. One of the best finger food recipes there is? A good pinwheels recipe! For years we’ve been looking for just the right version of this party classic. It wasn’t until now that we found what we were looking for: these tortilla roll ups! They’re full of Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of spices. They look totally stunning on a platter. And better yet: we’ve figured out all the tricks to making a beautiful roll up: ours used to turn out misshapen and sad looking. Here’s how to make the most perfect pinwheels for your appetizer trays! Pinwheel recipe ingredients Most pinwheel recipes have similar ingredients, but they’re endlessly customizable! You can make this pinwheel recipe with lots of different fillings! Here’s what we did for our version, but you can see below with some customization ideas! Here are the basic pinwheel recipe ingredients: Large burrito-style tortillas (see below) Cream cheese (or goat cheese, to class it up!) Shredded cheese Filling ingredients: spinach and fire-roasted tomatoes Spices: basil, oregano, and garlic powder Tip 1: Buy at least 10-inch […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This pinwheel recipe is the ultimate finger food! These tortilla roll ups are perfect for entertaining and endlessly customizable.

Pinwheel recipe

One of the best finger food recipes there is? A good pinwheels recipe! For years we’ve been looking for just the right version of this party classic. It wasn’t until now that we found what we were looking for: these tortilla roll ups! They’re full of Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of spices. They look totally stunning on a platter. And better yet: we’ve figured out all the tricks to making a beautiful roll up: ours used to turn out misshapen and sad looking. Here’s how to make the most perfect pinwheels for your appetizer trays!

Pinwheel recipe ingredients

Most pinwheel recipes have similar ingredients, but they’re endlessly customizable! You can make this pinwheel recipe with lots of different fillings! Here’s what we did for our version, but you can see below with some customization ideas! Here are the basic pinwheel recipe ingredients:

  • Large burrito-style tortillas (see below)
  • Cream cheese (or goat cheese, to class it up!)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Filling ingredients: spinach and fire-roasted tomatoes
  • Spices: basil, oregano, and garlic powder
Tortilla roll up

Tip 1: Buy at least 10-inch tortillas

The first tip to the perfect pinwheel recipe: buy large tortillas! And that means: very large. Here’s what to know:

  • Buy tortillas marked burrito size or at least 10-inch tortillas. Don’t buy the large tortillas that work for quesadillas or tacos: they’re too small and they make a roll-up that doesn’t have enough spirals.
  • What if I can’t find them? We recommend holding out for large tortillas if you’re serving these for entertaining. Of course if you don’t mind the look for less spirals, you can use any size you like.

Tip 2: Roll the tortillas very tightly

The other tip for a great looking pinwheel recipe? Roll the tortillas very tightly. Many roll up recipes don’t provide any specifics on how to roll the pinwheels. But if you don’t pay attention to the rolling, you’ll get haphazard looking tortilla roll ups (like ours normally look). Here’s what to know:

  • Spread on a thin layer of filling — about 1/3 cup. It’s important to have just enough filling to taste great but not so much that it’s overly strong and cheesy. We’ve found that this is 1/3 cup, then sprinkle any chunks of meat, cheese or veggies on top.
  • Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible, especially at the beginning of the roll. If you’re not scrupulous about a tight roll at the beginning, you’ll have a hole in the roll. Then roll as tight as possible and they’ll look beautiful…promise.
Easy pinwheel recipe

Tip 3: Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Here’s the thing: in a pinwheel recipe, the refrigeration time is important. Why? It gives the filling time to set. This is important for getting just the right texture on the pinwheel. Many pinwheel recipes say to refrigerate for 1 hour, but we found it wasn’t long enough to get the right texture.

Another thing that a 2-hour refrigeration does is the tortillas soak up a bit of the moisture from the cheese filling. This causes them to puff out just a bit, which looks lovely when you cut into the pinwheel.

How to customize this pinwheels recipe

OK, so you’ve got our 3 best tips for the perfect pinwheels. But there are lots of ingredients to customize if you want to get creative! Here are lots of ideas on how to make new flavors of pinwheels following this basic recipe:

  • Mexican-style: Spread on salsa, add black olives or thinly sliced green onions, use cheddar cheese or Mexican blend instead of mozzarella. Or go to this Mexican Pinwheels recipe.
  • Classic: Use cheddar cheese, add ranch seasoning to taste, use chopped red pepper, green onion and black olives as filling
  • Pizza pinwheels: Spread pizza sauce over the cream cheese, add pizza toppings like chopped green pepper, red onion, black olives, prosciutto, etc
  • Spinach artichoke pinwheels: Make the recipe below, but substitute sundried tomatoes with

The sky’s the limit, as you can tell! You can also customize this specific pinwheel recipe (below). Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for an upscale spin, or roasted red pepper instead of sun-dried tomato. Add thinly sliced green onion, or any other fillings you like!

Pinwheels recipe

Storage info for tortilla roll ups

Last thing before we release you to go roll! Here’s what to know about the storage for this pinwheel recipe:

  • Store up to 3 days refrigerated. But keep in mind…
  • The tortillas will soften over time. They’re best day of. The tortillas continue to soak up moisture from the filling, so they’ll get softer. They still taste good, but serve them as fresh as possible to guests.

This pinwheel recipe is…

Vegetarian. For gluten-free, find burrito-sized tortillas that are gluten-free.

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Pinwheel recipe

Easy Pinwheel Recipe

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 40 pinwheels
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This pinwheel recipe is the ultimate finger food! These tortilla roll ups are perfect for entertaining and endlessly customizable. 

Ingredients

  • 6 cups (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach leaves or 1/2 cup defrosted frozen spinach
  • 4 burrito size 10-inch* flour tortillas
  • 8 ounces cream cheese or soft goat cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil or jarred roasted red peppers
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the spinach: Place the spinach leaves in a skillet with 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat for a few minutes until the spinach completely wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the spinach to a bowl. Add cold water to instantly cool it, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Finely chop the spinach. (If using frozen spinach, defrost it, squeeze out the liquid and finely chop it.) 
  2. Chop the filling ingredients: Chop the sundried tomatoes or bell peppers. 
  3. Make the filling: To a medium bowl, add the spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese or goat cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix it until it comes together into a smooth filling (we found it’s easiest to use clean hands to help break up clumps). Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Place a tortilla on a cutting board, and spread it with 1/3 cup of the filling. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll up the tortilla very tightly, making sure to keep the roll very tight at the beginning (to avoid a hole in the middle!). Repeat for all tortillas. Refrigerate in a sealed container for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Slice off the ends of the rolls and discard, then slice into 3/4-inch slices to make pinwheels. They last up to 3 days refrigerated, but they taste best day of because the tortillas become softer over time. 

Notes

*The 10-inch size is best for getting the best look to your pinwheels. We recommend getting this size if at all possible!

  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pinwheel recipe, Tortilla roll ups

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti squash lasagna is a deliciously satisfying no noodle spin on the classic! It’s full of so much flavor, you won’t miss the noodles. One look at that photo and we’re pulling up our sleeves to get cooking: are you? Meet your new favorite dream-boat meal: baked Spaghetti Squash Lasagna! This delicious no-noodle spin on the classic so satisfying, you’ll find yourself dreaming about the next time you get to eat it. It’s naturally gluten-free yet cheesy enough that you won’t miss the noodles. Mix those squash noodles with ricotta and Parmesan, then bake them with marinara and gooey mozzarella on top. This one went over very well in this household…even the 3 year old approved. How to make spaghetti squash lasagna: basic steps This spaghetti squash lasagna is very easy to make! But it does take a bit of time. Why? Spaghetti squash can take up to 1 hour to roast. Yes, everyone’s favorite squash is a little high maintenance like that. But never fear! Once your squash is roasted, it’s terribly easy to put together. Here’s what to do: Step 1 (40 minutes to 1 hour*): Roast the squash! See How to Cook Spaghetti Squash. *Note: Using the […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Spaghetti squash lasagna is a deliciously satisfying no noodle spin on the classic! It’s full of so much flavor, you won’t miss the noodles.

Spaghetti squash lasagna

One look at that photo and we’re pulling up our sleeves to get cooking: are you? Meet your new favorite dream-boat meal: baked Spaghetti Squash Lasagna! This delicious no-noodle spin on the classic so satisfying, you’ll find yourself dreaming about the next time you get to eat it. It’s naturally gluten-free yet cheesy enough that you won’t miss the noodles. Mix those squash noodles with ricotta and Parmesan, then bake them with marinara and gooey mozzarella on top. This one went over very well in this household…even the 3 year old approved.

How to make spaghetti squash lasagna: basic steps

This spaghetti squash lasagna is very easy to make! But it does take a bit of time. Why? Spaghetti squash can take up to 1 hour to roast. Yes, everyone’s favorite squash is a little high maintenance like that. But never fear! Once your squash is roasted, it’s terribly easy to put together. Here’s what to do:

  1. Step 1 (40 minutes to 1 hour*): Roast the squash! See How to Cook Spaghetti Squash.
    *Note: Using the Instant Pot cuts this time in half.
  2. Step 2 (15 minutes): Make the filling and layer it up.
  3. Step 3 (10 minutes): Bake it until the cheese melts.
Spaghetti squash lasagna

Tips on how to cook spaghetti squash

The main task for this spaghetti squash lasagna is (no surprise!)…cooking the spaghetti squash. Here’s what to know about cooking this tough yellow squash:

  • Slice lengthwise to serve in “bowls”. Usually we slice the squash around the middle to get the longest noodles (see How to Cook Spaghetti Squash). But if you want to serve it in natural bowls, cit it lengthwise.
  • Roasting is the best method. Roast your squash at 400 degrees until it’s tender, 40 to 55 minutes.
  • Separate into noodles with a fork. Scrape out the cut sides with a fork: instant noodles!
  • Allow to steam 5 minutes in a colander. This helps to remove excess liquid.

Alternative method: Instant Pot!

Want to speed up the cook time? You can cook your spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, with one caveat: you’ll have to cook them one at a time. This spaghetti squash lasagna calls for 2 squash, but only 1 can fit in an Instant Pot at a time.

The Instant Pot is significantly quicker: it takes only 13 minutes for the squash to cook. So even cooking two squash, it takes about half the time to pressure cook them. Score!

How to make spaghetti squash lasagna

Spaghetti squash lasagna filling ingredients & add-in ideas!

Once you’ve cooked up that spaghetti squash, the rest of the lasagna recipe is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need for the filling, including an idea for some add-ins:

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand to keep this quick and easy. There are lots of great brands on the market these days that are minimally processed.
  • Add-in idea: To make it more filling, add plant-based crumbles! We used to avoid these, but lately there have been less processed versions on the market. For more details, see our Quick Chili recipe. You can also add cooked and drained ground beef for meat eaters.

Bake it in the shells, or use a baking dish!

The fun part about this spaghetti squash lasagna is that you can bake it in the shells for beautiful presentation! But it’s not required. Here are a few notes about both:

  • Bake it in the shell: When you scoop out the spaghetti squash strands with a fork, keep the skin of the squash in tact. It forms a natural shell that you can use for baking it! Pros: it’s beautiful. Cons: it’s pre-portioned so you can’t choose how much you want, and it’s harder to serve to a crowd. Kids also seem to prefer the next option.
  • Bake it in a 9 x 9 baking dish: Or, throw it into a 9 x 9 baking dish! It works just as well and takes a little less time to assemble. Pros: It’s easier to serve to a crowd, and seems more like “real” lasagna. Cons: It’s not nearly as stunning to look at.
Spaghetti squash lasagna

Make ahead tips for spaghetti squash lasagna

Can you make ahead parts of this spaghetti squash lasagna for easy prep? Absolutely. Here are a few options to choose from:

  • Roast the squash in advance. Simply roast your squash in advance and refrigerate until you want to bake. Some liquid may accumulate while it refrigerates: just pour it off. While the oven preheats, layer the ingredients. Increase the final bake time a little since you’ll be baking the noodles from cold (or warm them in the microwave before assembling).
  • Don’t assemble in advance. You might be tempted to assemble it then refrigerate, but we advise against this. Moisture can accumulate in the fridge, making it overly watery. Simply roast the squash in advance per above: you can layer it while the oven preheats and there’s no time lost!

Sides to serve with spaghetti squash lasagna

This spaghetti squash lasagna is a total show stopper that everyone will love! While it’s a great naturally gluten free and keto dinner option, it works for anyone no matter their eating preferences. Here are a few ways we’d accessorize it to make a healthy dinner (though on a weeknight, we usually just do non-recipes like raw veggies or a throw together salad):

We hope you love it as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below.

Spaghetti squash recipe

This spaghetti squash lasagna recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Spaghetti squash lasagna

Favorite Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This spaghetti squash lasagna is a deliciously satisfying no noodle spin on the classic! It’s full of so much satisfying flavor, you won’t miss the noodles.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium spaghetti squash
  • Olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon each dried thyme, basil and oregano OR 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce or marinara, your favorite brand (24 ounce jar)*
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Roast the spaghetti squash: Using a small sharp paring knife, cut the spaghetti squash around the middle lengthwise. To cut, pierce the knife into the squash and swing down, making small slices around the squash until it breaks in half. Use the knife to cut around the seeds, and then scoop them out with a spoon. Rub the insides of the squash with 2 teaspoons olive oil total. Place the halves on baking sheet cut side down, and roast 40 to 55 minutes, depending on the size and freshness of the squash, until tender all the way through when pierced with a fork. Alternative method: Go Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and cook the 2 squash separately (they each cook in 13 minutes).**
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Make the squash noodles and steam 5 minutes: Allow the squash to cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the squash into “spaghetti” strands into a colander. Save the hard “shell” of the squash to use for serving, or you can use a 9 x 9 baking dish. Allow the squash to steam in sink for 5 minutes.
  5. Season the noodles: Place the noodles in a large bowl. Mix in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the Italian seasoning. Add the cheese mixture and stir gently to combine (don’t overmix). Now for the important part: taste the noodles and add up to 1/2 teaspoon more salt, until the flavor pops. The exact amount will depend on the weight of your squash and the brand of ricotta. We typically end up adding between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon more. 
  6. Layer the lasagna: Using the 4 squash shells or a 9 x 9 baking dish, do the following: place a layer of the cheesy squash and top it with a layer of 1 cup sauce (split among the shells if desired). Then top with the final layer of cheesy squash and the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (split across the 4 shells or in the pan).
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is melted. Top with torn or chopped fresh basil. 

Notes

*To make a more filling spaghetti squash lasagna, simmer 1 1/2 cups frozen plant-based crumbles in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. Or, cook and drain 3/4 pound ground beef and add it to the sauce.

**Make ahead tips:  Roast your squash in advance and refrigerate until you want to bake. Some liquid may accumulate while it refrigerates: pour it off before assembling. While the oven preheats, layer the ingredients. Increase the final bake time a little since you’ll be baking the noodles from cold (or warm them in the microwave before assembling). Don’t be tempted assemble in advance and refrigerate; too much liquid accumulates while in the fridge, so we don’t recommend this. 

  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spaghetti squash lasagna

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers aren’t the kind your mom made. They’re meatless and loaded with fresh flavor. They’re cheesy as shown, yes, but the cheese is actually non-essential.…

The post Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe

These stuffed peppers aren’t the kind your mom made. They’re meatless and loaded with fresh flavor. They’re cheesy as shown, yes, but the cheese is actually non-essential. You can easily make these peppers dairy free or vegan.

I was inspired to incorporate some of my favorite Mexican ingredients, including pinto beans, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime, chili powder and cumin. The filling is so tasty, I could eat it as a side dish! These peppers are somewhat time consuming, but each element is simple to make.

stuffed pepper ingredients

The trick to making great stuffed peppers is to slice the peppers in half from the stem end down through the base. Then, pre-roast the halves until they’re tender and a bit caramelized at the sliced edges. This way, their flavor is condensed and their texture is just right—not too crisp, but not falling apart.

Please do yourself a favor and cook extra brown rice while you’re at it. Then, you’ll be one step closer to dinner tomorrow night—say, Extra Veggie Fried Rice or any of these rice-based dishes. High five!

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Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

How about pizza tonight? Homemade pizza nights should be fun and easy, and that’s where this pizza dough recipe comes into play. It’s ready in 15 minutes,…

The post Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Dough appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

whole wheat pizza dough recipe

How about pizza tonight? Homemade pizza nights should be fun and easy, and that’s where this pizza dough recipe comes into play. It’s ready in 15 minutes, start to finish. That’s a lot faster than delivery!

This quick pizza dough yields a crust of medium thickness that’s crisp across the bottom and a little chewy in the middle. It has a lovely, yeasty flavor with just a hint of whole wheat. I love this dough so much that I shared it in my cookbook, Love Real Food.

proofing yeast for pizza dough

This dough doesn’t have the elusive, stretchy, chewy, sourdough texture that I crave in authentic brick oven pizza. This homemade dough is fantastic, though. A few reasons to love this recipe:

  • It’s made from scratch with basic, wholesome ingredients.
  • You can make it in your food processor (or by hand).
  • This dough requires zero proofing time. You can make your pizzas right away.
  • The dough requires minimal effort—just a couple of kneads and a few rolls with a rolling pin.

Let’s make some pizzas!

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The post Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Dough appeared first on Cookie and Kate.