High Protein Low Carb Dinners for Quick Meals

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Looking for quick and tasty dinners that are high in protein and low in carbs? You’re in the right place! In this post, I share a simple recipe for stuffed bell peppers that packs a nutritious punch. With ground chicken, spinach, and creamy cheeses, these peppers are as satisfying as they are healthy. Get ready to whip up a delicious meal that is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights!

To make savory chicken and spinach stuffed bell peppers, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 large bell peppers - 1 lb ground chicken - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup cauliflower rice - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The bell peppers act as a tasty bowl for the filling. Ground chicken provides lean protein. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while cauliflower rice keeps it low in carbs. Mozzarella and Parmesan offer creamy texture and flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the dish with savory notes. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds richness. Finally, fresh parsley gives a bright touch when serving. With these ingredients, you can whip up a quick and delicious dinner that fits a high protein, low carb diet. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cut the tops off and remove seeds. To start, you want to get your oven nice and warm. This helps the peppers cook well. Next, take your bell peppers and cut off the tops. Make sure to scoop out all the seeds. This way, they will hold your filling better. - Heat olive oil and sauté ground chicken. - Season with spices and add spinach and cauliflower rice. Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken is brown and cooked through. Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix these spices well. They will give the chicken a great flavor. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cauliflower rice. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the cauliflower to soften. This step adds nutrients and keeps everything low carb. - Mix in cheeses and stuff the peppers. - Bake covered and then uncovered for a perfect finish. After that, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the chicken mixture. Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Pack the filling tightly into each pepper. Top them with more mozzarella cheese for that perfect bubbly finish. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps steam the peppers as they bake. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, take them out and let cool for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Sauté ground chicken in olive oil. This gives it a nice, juicy texture. - Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked. This ensures a safe and tasty filling. - Mix the filling well to evenly distribute the spices. This way, every bite is full of flavor. - Add spices like paprika or cumin for a new twist. These can really boost the taste. - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add a nice touch, too. - Try different cheeses, like feta or cheddar. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and creaminess. - Serve the stuffed peppers on a colorful platter. It makes the dish look more inviting. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the peppers. This adds a nice shine and flavor. - Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the meal. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only makes for a vibrant presentation but also adds slight variations in flavor. Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Pre-cook the Peppers: For a softer texture, you can lightly steam the bell peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing them, ensuring they are tender when baked. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Simply bake them when you're ready to serve for a quick, delicious meal. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the ground chicken for other meats. Try turkey or lean beef for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. Both work well and keep it healthy. For the stuffing, you don’t need to stick to spinach alone. You can use kale, zucchini, or mushrooms. These low-carb veggies add flavor and nutrition. They also give your dish a fun twist. Feeling creative? Make Greek-inspired stuffed peppers! Use feta cheese and add olives to the filling. This will give your meal a zesty kick. You can also try an Italian twist. Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. This variation brings a rich taste to your dinner. Pair your stuffed peppers with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad works great. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal. You can also serve roasted broccoli or green beans on the side. These low-carb options complement the stuffed peppers well. They add color and balance to your plate. To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture. When you reheat stuffed peppers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the filling moist and the cheese melty. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat them on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Freezing stuffed peppers is easy. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label them with the date and freeze. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Stuffed peppers last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If they start to smell or look odd, it’s best to throw them out. To enjoy them longer, you can freeze the stuffed peppers. Yes, you can make these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. Then, cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy nights. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat. If you want to lower carbs, try these options: - Swap ground chicken for turkey or lean beef. - Use zucchini or eggplant instead of bell peppers. - Cauliflower rice works great, but you can also use chopped mushrooms. - Cheese can be replaced with dairy-free options if needed. Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian. Use lentils or black beans instead of meat. These add protein and fiber. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor. Stuffed bell peppers are easy and fun to make. With ground chicken, spinach, and cheese, they are tasty and healthy. You can spice them up or switch ingredients to fit your taste. Remember to store extra ones well and reheat them right. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this recipe fits all. Try making them your own by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, and share your tasty creations with friends!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Deliciously Healthy: This recipe combines lean ground chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and cauliflower rice, making it a wholesome meal option.
  2. Vibrant Presentation: The colorful bell peppers not only look stunning on the table but also add a sweet crunch to every bite.
  3. Customizable Filling: You can easily swap in different proteins or vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
  4. Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

To make savory chicken and spinach stuffed bell peppers, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

– 1 cup cauliflower rice

– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– Fresh parsley for garnish

Each ingredient plays a key role. The bell peppers act as a tasty bowl for the filling. Ground chicken provides lean protein. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while cauliflower rice keeps it low in carbs. Mozzarella and Parmesan offer creamy texture and flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the dish with savory notes. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds richness. Finally, fresh parsley gives a bright touch when serving.

With these ingredients, you can whip up a quick and delicious dinner that fits a high protein, low carb diet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Bell Peppers

– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Cut the tops off and remove seeds.

To start, you want to get your oven nice and warm. This helps the peppers cook well. Next, take your bell peppers and cut off the tops. Make sure to scoop out all the seeds. This way, they will hold your filling better.

Cooking the Filling

– Heat olive oil and sauté ground chicken.

– Season with spices and add spinach and cauliflower rice.

Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken is brown and cooked through.

Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix these spices well. They will give the chicken a great flavor. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cauliflower rice. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the cauliflower to soften. This step adds nutrients and keeps everything low carb.

Stuffing and Baking the Peppers

– Mix in cheeses and stuff the peppers.

– Bake covered and then uncovered for a perfect finish.

After that, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the chicken mixture.

Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Pack the filling tightly into each pepper. Top them with more mozzarella cheese for that perfect bubbly finish.

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps steam the peppers as they bake. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be golden brown and bubbly.

Once baked, take them out and let cool for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

– Sauté ground chicken in olive oil. This gives it a nice, juicy texture.

– Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked. This ensures a safe and tasty filling.

– Mix the filling well to evenly distribute the spices. This way, every bite is full of flavor.

Flavor Enhancement

– Add spices like paprika or cumin for a new twist. These can really boost the taste.

– Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add a nice touch, too.

– Try different cheeses, like feta or cheddar. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and creaminess.

Presentation Tips

– Serve the stuffed peppers on a colorful platter. It makes the dish look more inviting.

– Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the peppers. This adds a nice shine and flavor.

– Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the meal.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only makes for a vibrant presentation but also adds slight variations in flavor.
  2. Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
  3. Pre-cook the Peppers: For a softer texture, you can lightly steam the bell peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing them, ensuring they are tender when baked.
  4. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve for a quick, delicious meal.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the ground chicken for other meats. Try turkey or lean beef for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. Both work well and keep it healthy.

For the stuffing, you don’t need to stick to spinach alone. You can use kale, zucchini, or mushrooms. These low-carb veggies add flavor and nutrition. They also give your dish a fun twist.

Different Cuisine Twists

Feeling creative? Make Greek-inspired stuffed peppers! Use feta cheese and add olives to the filling. This will give your meal a zesty kick.

You can also try an Italian twist. Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. This variation brings a rich taste to your dinner.

Side Dish Suggestions

Pair your stuffed peppers with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad works great. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

You can also serve roasted broccoli or green beans on the side. These low-carb options complement the stuffed peppers well. They add color and balance to your plate.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Tips

When you reheat stuffed peppers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the filling moist and the cheese melty. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat them on medium power for 2-3 minutes.

Freezing Options

Freezing stuffed peppers is easy. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label them with the date and freeze. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above.

FAQs

How long do stuffed peppers last in the fridge?

Stuffed peppers last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If they start to smell or look odd, it’s best to throw them out. To enjoy them longer, you can freeze the stuffed peppers.

Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. Then, cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy nights. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.

What are the best substitutions for low-carb diets?

If you want to lower carbs, try these options:

– Swap ground chicken for turkey or lean beef.

– Use zucchini or eggplant instead of bell peppers.

– Cauliflower rice works great, but you can also use chopped mushrooms.

– Cheese can be replaced with dairy-free options if needed.

Can the recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian. Use lentils or black beans instead of meat. These add protein and fiber. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor.

Stuffed bell peppers are easy and fun to make. With ground chicken, spinach, and cheese, they are tasty and healthy. You can spice them up or switch ingredients to fit your taste. Remember to store extra ones well and reheat them right. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this recipe fits all. Try making them your own by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, and share your tasty creations with friend

To make savory chicken and spinach stuffed bell peppers, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 large bell peppers - 1 lb ground chicken - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup cauliflower rice - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The bell peppers act as a tasty bowl for the filling. Ground chicken provides lean protein. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while cauliflower rice keeps it low in carbs. Mozzarella and Parmesan offer creamy texture and flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the dish with savory notes. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds richness. Finally, fresh parsley gives a bright touch when serving. With these ingredients, you can whip up a quick and delicious dinner that fits a high protein, low carb diet. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cut the tops off and remove seeds. To start, you want to get your oven nice and warm. This helps the peppers cook well. Next, take your bell peppers and cut off the tops. Make sure to scoop out all the seeds. This way, they will hold your filling better. - Heat olive oil and sauté ground chicken. - Season with spices and add spinach and cauliflower rice. Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken is brown and cooked through. Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix these spices well. They will give the chicken a great flavor. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cauliflower rice. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the cauliflower to soften. This step adds nutrients and keeps everything low carb. - Mix in cheeses and stuff the peppers. - Bake covered and then uncovered for a perfect finish. After that, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the chicken mixture. Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Pack the filling tightly into each pepper. Top them with more mozzarella cheese for that perfect bubbly finish. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps steam the peppers as they bake. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, take them out and let cool for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Sauté ground chicken in olive oil. This gives it a nice, juicy texture. - Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked. This ensures a safe and tasty filling. - Mix the filling well to evenly distribute the spices. This way, every bite is full of flavor. - Add spices like paprika or cumin for a new twist. These can really boost the taste. - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add a nice touch, too. - Try different cheeses, like feta or cheddar. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and creaminess. - Serve the stuffed peppers on a colorful platter. It makes the dish look more inviting. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the peppers. This adds a nice shine and flavor. - Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the meal. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only makes for a vibrant presentation but also adds slight variations in flavor. Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Pre-cook the Peppers: For a softer texture, you can lightly steam the bell peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing them, ensuring they are tender when baked. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Simply bake them when you're ready to serve for a quick, delicious meal. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the ground chicken for other meats. Try turkey or lean beef for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. Both work well and keep it healthy. For the stuffing, you don’t need to stick to spinach alone. You can use kale, zucchini, or mushrooms. These low-carb veggies add flavor and nutrition. They also give your dish a fun twist. Feeling creative? Make Greek-inspired stuffed peppers! Use feta cheese and add olives to the filling. This will give your meal a zesty kick. You can also try an Italian twist. Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. This variation brings a rich taste to your dinner. Pair your stuffed peppers with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad works great. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal. You can also serve roasted broccoli or green beans on the side. These low-carb options complement the stuffed peppers well. They add color and balance to your plate. To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture. When you reheat stuffed peppers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the filling moist and the cheese melty. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat them on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Freezing stuffed peppers is easy. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label them with the date and freeze. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Stuffed peppers last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If they start to smell or look odd, it’s best to throw them out. To enjoy them longer, you can freeze the stuffed peppers. Yes, you can make these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. Then, cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy nights. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat. If you want to lower carbs, try these options: - Swap ground chicken for turkey or lean beef. - Use zucchini or eggplant instead of bell peppers. - Cauliflower rice works great, but you can also use chopped mushrooms. - Cheese can be replaced with dairy-free options if needed. Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian. Use lentils or black beans instead of meat. These add protein and fiber. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor. Stuffed bell peppers are easy and fun to make. With ground chicken, spinach, and cheese, they are tasty and healthy. You can spice them up or switch ingredients to fit your taste. Remember to store extra ones well and reheat them right. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this recipe fits all. Try making them your own by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, and share your tasty creations with friends!

Savory Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

A delicious and nutritious dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with ground chicken, spinach, and cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
  • Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix evenly.
  • Add the chopped spinach and cauliflower rice into the skillet. Stir gently and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cauliflower rice is tender.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  • Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the chicken and spinach mixture, packing the filling tightly.
  • Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a vibrant platter with olive oil and fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.
Keyword chicken, healthy, spinach, stuffed peppers

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