Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- My Keto Stuffed Peppers Taste Just Like Lasagna Without the Noodles
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Keto Stuffed Peppers
- My Recipe Tips
- Keto Stuffed Peppers Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Variations
- Recipe Reviews
My Keto Stuffed Peppers Taste Just Like Lasagna Without the Noodles
I came up with these keto stuffed peppers on a night when I was craving lasagna but had zero interest in layering noodles, or dealing with all the cleanup after. I’d already been making low carb stuffed peppers for years, so I figured… why not stuff them with all the best parts of lasagna instead? Cheesy, saucy, meaty perfection packed into a tender roasted pepper. It was an instant hit. Here’s why you’ll love them too:
- All the lasagna flavor – These are loaded with rich marinara , seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese. I don’t miss the pasta, but if you do, try my keto lasagna instead.
- Quick & easy – These come together with less than 10 ingredients you probably already have on hand, and just 10 minutes of hands-on time. I usually prep the filling while the oven heats up to save even more time.
- Perfect for portion control – Since each one is already individually stuffed, it’s easy to serve, store, or freeze. No slicing required.
Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a regular in my rotation of healthy dinner recipes . Make them with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto stuffed peppers recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Bell Peppers – Any color you like is fair game. I usually mix it up for variety, just make sure they’re full-sized and not the mini ones!
- Ground Beef – This is my go-to for that traditional lasagna flavor, but feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage with the casings removed. All of them work great.
- Olive Oil – I like using extra virgin olive oil for that classic Italian flavor, but honestly, any neutral cooking oil works just fine if that’s what you have.
- Garlic – Freshly minced gives the best flavor (especially with all four cloves!), but I’ve definitely used the jarred kind when I’m in a rush. You can also toss in some diced onions and sauté them together if you’re into that.
- Marinara Sauce – I grab a store-bought keto-friendly one when I need to save time, but making your own sugar-free marinara is super quick and gives you full control over the ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning – A jar from the store works, but if you’ve got the dried herbs, mixing up your own Italian seasoning blend only takes a minute and smells amazing.
- Cheese – Ricotta and mozzarella are the classics here, but you can totally use whatever keto cheeses you love. Cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese would be delicious in keto stuffed peppers, too.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Keto Stuffed Peppers
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Make the meat sauce . Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high, cook the garlic for a minute, then add the ground beef and brown it. Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer.
- Prep the peppers. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and ribs. I use a small paring knife for this part. Set them upright in a baking dish so they’re ready to fill.
- Assemble . Stuff each pepper with about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce, then layer in a couple tablespoons each of ricotta and mozzarella. Keep going until they’re full, with mozzarella on top.
- Tent with foil . Cover the baking dish with foil, but keep it lifted so it doesn’t stick to the cheesy tops.
- Bake keto stuffed peppers. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Take the foil off and bake a little longer until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden.
My Recipe Tips
- Got wobbly peppers? Just slice a thin layer off the bottom to help them stand up straight. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Give the sauce a little taste once it’s simmered. This is the perfect time to adjust the salt or Italian seasoning if it needs a little something.
- Use a dish that fits your peppers snugly. If your baking dish is too big, the peppers might tip over while baking. I use this one and it holds six large peppers just right.
- Layer the cheese for melty goodness. I like to tuck some mozzarella in the middle and finish with more on top. It melts into every bite instead of just sitting on top.
- Want that golden, bubbly cheese on top? Broil your keto stuffed peppers for a minute or two at the end, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
- Once they’re out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool. The filling sets up a bit and they’re easier (and less messy) to serve.
- Want an even easier version? My newer Italian stuffed peppers are a lot like these, but without the ricotta layer and use sausage instead of beef.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 1/2 lb Ground beef * ▢
- 6 large Bell peppers ▢
- 2 cups Marinara sauce ▢
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning ▢
- 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese * ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded) ▢
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- To prepare the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds , until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and stir right away so the garlic doesn’t burn. Cook for about 10 minutes , breaking apart the meat with a spoon or spatula, until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-8 minutes .
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- To prepare the peppers, chop off the tops and scoop out the seeds and ribs inside. Slice a tiny layer off the bottoms (without making a hole if possible) so that the peppers are stable standing upright. Place into a medium to large baking dish ( this one I use is the perfect size ).
- To assemble, stuff the peppers with 1/4 cup of meat sauce, 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the same amounts again, until the peppers are filled to the top, with mozzarella being the top layer.
- Tent aluminum foil over the baking dish, making sure the foil is not touching the cheese. Bake stuffed peppers for 30 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes , until cheese is melted and browned. (If you want extra browning, you can place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.)
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Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your peppers stay upright, your filling stay juicy, and your cheese come out melty and golden.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for fun ways to change up the flavors in your stuffed peppers.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas easy sides and extras to round out your meal.
- Store: Keep keto lasagna stuffed peppers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Make the meat sauce ahead and store it, or prep the whole dish and reheat when ready.
- Reheat: Microwave on low or bake at 350 degrees F until warm.
- Freeze: Wrap baked peppers individually or freeze the whole dish for 2-3 months. Reheat at 350 degrees F. I don’t recommend freezing raw peppers—they get mushy!
- Note on nutrition info: The nutrition facts are based on whole milk ricotta, 85/15 ground beef, and my sugar-free marinara .
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Keto Stuffed Peppers
Serving Ideas
These low carb stuffed peppers make a full meal on their own, but you can definitely round it out. I usually serve them with a simple chopped Mediterranean salad or some roasted zucchini on the side, and if I’m feeling extra, a slice of keto garlic bread .
And, If you’re in the mood for a treat, my berry ricotta dessert or keto tiramisu really takes these keto stuffed peppers over the top.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun filling ideas to try next time you make these low carb stuffed peppers:
- Mediterranean – Try ground lamb or turkey seasoned with oregano, cumin, and coriander. I like stuffing the peppers with sautéed spinach, feta, and diced or sun-dried tomatoes .
- Mexican – Use ground pork or chorizo with taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons), then fill with cauliflower rice , diced tomatoes, and cheddar. Or switch it up with my turkey taco or fajita chicken stuffed peppers .
- Pizza – Go with ground beef mixed with marinara sauce or pizza sauce . I layer in pepperoni, bell peppers, the beef mixture, and mozzarella. Check out my pizza bowls for more inspo.
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |
Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |
Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |
Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |
Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |
Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .
Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!
Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:
Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Keto Stuffed Peppers
Low carb keto stuffed peppers need just 7 ingredients! With layers of meat sauce and cheese, lasagna stuffed peppers are pure comfort food.
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/beef-lasagna-stuffed-peppers-gluten-free-low-carb/
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 lb Ground beef *
- 6 large Bell peppers
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese *
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- To prepare the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds , until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and stir right away so the garlic doesn’t burn. Cook for about 10 minutes , breaking apart the meat with a spoon or spatula, until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-8 minutes .
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- To prepare the peppers, chop off the tops and scoop out the seeds and ribs inside. Slice a tiny layer off the bottoms (without making a hole if possible) so that the peppers are stable standing upright. Place into a medium to large baking dish ( this one I use is the perfect size ).
- To assemble, stuff the peppers with 1/4 cup of meat sauce, 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the same amounts again, until the peppers are filled to the top, with mozzarella being the top layer.
- Tent aluminum foil over the baking dish, making sure the foil is not touching the cheese. Bake stuffed peppers for 30 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes , until cheese is melted and browned. (If you want extra browning, you can place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.)
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your peppers stay upright, your filling stay juicy, and your cheese come out melty and golden.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for fun ways to change up the flavors in your stuffed peppers.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas easy sides and extras to round out your meal.
- Store: Keep keto lasagna stuffed peppers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Make the meat sauce ahead and store it, or prep the whole dish and reheat when ready.
- Reheat: Microwave on low or bake at 350 degrees F until warm.
- Freeze: Wrap baked peppers individually or freeze the whole dish for 2-3 months. Reheat at 350 degrees F. I don’t recommend freezing raw peppers—they get mushy!
- Note on nutrition info: The nutrition facts are based on whole milk ricotta, 85/15 ground beef, and my sugar-free marinara .
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- My Keto Stuffed Peppers Taste Just Like Lasagna Without the Noodles
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Keto Stuffed Peppers
- My Recipe Tips
- Keto Stuffed Peppers Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Variations
- Recipe Reviews
My Keto Stuffed Peppers Taste Just Like Lasagna Without the Noodles
I came up with these keto stuffed peppers on a night when I was craving lasagna but had zero interest in layering noodles, or dealing with all the cleanup after. I’d already been making low carb stuffed peppers for years, so I figured… why not stuff them with all the best parts of lasagna instead? Cheesy, saucy, meaty perfection packed into a tender roasted pepper. It was an instant hit. Here’s why you’ll love them too:
- All the lasagna flavor – These are loaded with rich marinara , seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese. I don’t miss the pasta, but if you do, try my keto lasagna instead.
- Quick & easy – These come together with less than 10 ingredients you probably already have on hand, and just 10 minutes of hands-on time. I usually prep the filling while the oven heats up to save even more time.
- Perfect for portion control – Since each one is already individually stuffed, it’s easy to serve, store, or freeze. No slicing required.
Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a regular in my rotation of healthy dinner recipes . Make them with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto stuffed peppers recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Bell Peppers – Any color you like is fair game. I usually mix it up for variety, just make sure they’re full-sized and not the mini ones!
- Ground Beef – This is my go-to for that traditional lasagna flavor, but feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage with the casings removed. All of them work great.
- Olive Oil – I like using extra virgin olive oil for that classic Italian flavor, but honestly, any neutral cooking oil works just fine if that’s what you have.
- Garlic – Freshly minced gives the best flavor (especially with all four cloves!), but I’ve definitely used the jarred kind when I’m in a rush. You can also toss in some diced onions and sauté them together if you’re into that.
- Marinara Sauce – I grab a store-bought keto-friendly one when I need to save time, but making your own sugar-free marinara is super quick and gives you full control over the ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning – A jar from the store works, but if you’ve got the dried herbs, mixing up your own Italian seasoning blend only takes a minute and smells amazing.
- Cheese – Ricotta and mozzarella are the classics here, but you can totally use whatever keto cheeses you love. Cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese would be delicious in keto stuffed peppers, too.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Keto Stuffed Peppers
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Make the meat sauce . Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high, cook the garlic for a minute, then add the ground beef and brown it. Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer.
- Prep the peppers. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and ribs. I use a small paring knife for this part. Set them upright in a baking dish so they’re ready to fill.
- Assemble . Stuff each pepper with about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce, then layer in a couple tablespoons each of ricotta and mozzarella. Keep going until they’re full, with mozzarella on top.
- Tent with foil . Cover the baking dish with foil, but keep it lifted so it doesn’t stick to the cheesy tops.
- Bake keto stuffed peppers. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Take the foil off and bake a little longer until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden.
My Recipe Tips
- Got wobbly peppers? Just slice a thin layer off the bottom to help them stand up straight. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Give the sauce a little taste once it’s simmered. This is the perfect time to adjust the salt or Italian seasoning if it needs a little something.
- Use a dish that fits your peppers snugly. If your baking dish is too big, the peppers might tip over while baking. I use this one and it holds six large peppers just right.
- Layer the cheese for melty goodness. I like to tuck some mozzarella in the middle and finish with more on top. It melts into every bite instead of just sitting on top.
- Want that golden, bubbly cheese on top? Broil your keto stuffed peppers for a minute or two at the end, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
- Once they’re out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool. The filling sets up a bit and they’re easier (and less messy) to serve.
- Want an even easier version? My newer Italian stuffed peppers are a lot like these, but without the ricotta layer and use sausage instead of beef.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 1/2 lb Ground beef * ▢
- 6 large Bell peppers ▢
- 2 cups Marinara sauce ▢
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning ▢
- 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese * ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded) ▢
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- To prepare the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds , until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and stir right away so the garlic doesn’t burn. Cook for about 10 minutes , breaking apart the meat with a spoon or spatula, until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-8 minutes .
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- To prepare the peppers, chop off the tops and scoop out the seeds and ribs inside. Slice a tiny layer off the bottoms (without making a hole if possible) so that the peppers are stable standing upright. Place into a medium to large baking dish ( this one I use is the perfect size ).
- To assemble, stuff the peppers with 1/4 cup of meat sauce, 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the same amounts again, until the peppers are filled to the top, with mozzarella being the top layer.
- Tent aluminum foil over the baking dish, making sure the foil is not touching the cheese. Bake stuffed peppers for 30 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes , until cheese is melted and browned. (If you want extra browning, you can place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.)
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Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your peppers stay upright, your filling stay juicy, and your cheese come out melty and golden.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for fun ways to change up the flavors in your stuffed peppers.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas easy sides and extras to round out your meal.
- Store: Keep keto lasagna stuffed peppers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Make the meat sauce ahead and store it, or prep the whole dish and reheat when ready.
- Reheat: Microwave on low or bake at 350 degrees F until warm.
- Freeze: Wrap baked peppers individually or freeze the whole dish for 2-3 months. Reheat at 350 degrees F. I don’t recommend freezing raw peppers—they get mushy!
- Note on nutrition info: The nutrition facts are based on whole milk ricotta, 85/15 ground beef, and my sugar-free marinara .
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System and Keto Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
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Keto Stuffed Peppers
Serving Ideas
These low carb stuffed peppers make a full meal on their own, but you can definitely round it out. I usually serve them with a simple chopped Mediterranean salad or some roasted zucchini on the side, and if I’m feeling extra, a slice of keto garlic bread .
And, If you’re in the mood for a treat, my berry ricotta dessert or keto tiramisu really takes these keto stuffed peppers over the top.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun filling ideas to try next time you make these low carb stuffed peppers:
- Mediterranean – Try ground lamb or turkey seasoned with oregano, cumin, and coriander. I like stuffing the peppers with sautéed spinach, feta, and diced or sun-dried tomatoes .
- Mexican – Use ground pork or chorizo with taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons), then fill with cauliflower rice , diced tomatoes, and cheddar. Or switch it up with my turkey taco or fajita chicken stuffed peppers .
- Pizza – Go with ground beef mixed with marinara sauce or pizza sauce . I layer in pepperoni, bell peppers, the beef mixture, and mozzarella. Check out my pizza bowls for more inspo.
