Quick & Flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Crafting a delightful quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Peppers burst with vibrant colors and rich flavors in this one-pan marvel.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how seamlessly this dish comes together.

Layers of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal everyone loves.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of hearty ingredients and zesty seasonings.

Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing casserole that turns weeknight cooking into a delicious adventure.

Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole To Enjoy

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine all stuffed pepper ingredients into one delicious casserole without the hassle of individually stuffing peppers.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in this crowd-pleasing dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using minimal cookware and creating a complete meal in a single casserole dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different seasonings, or include extra vegetables to make this recipe your own signature meal.

Ingredients For Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Bell Peppers, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic qualities to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a classic savory base flavor for the casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy grain that serves as the main starch and helps bind the casserole together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the recipe.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce base for the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall flavor and helps cook the rice.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that season and elevate the dish's taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that adds creamy richness and golden color to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How To Make Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up into delicious crumbles.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Chopped bell peppers
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté until the peppers soften and the kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Step 4: Build the Base

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 5: Simmer and Merge

Let the mixture bubble gently, covered, on low heat.

Allow the rice to soak up all those incredible flavors for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Cheese and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Shower the top with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Melt and Golden

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips To Perfect Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring a fluffy texture in the casserole.
• Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack to customize the dish's taste and create exciting flavor profiles.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and increase vegetable intake without compromising taste.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version.
• Chicken Pepper Bake: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly meal.

Serving Ideas For Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal that satisfies hungry families and friends.
• Cheesy Pepper Party: Top each serving with extra fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions for a bright, zesty garnish that adds color and flavor.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or serve with warm corn tortillas on the side to give the dish a southwestern flair and extra crunch.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform leftovers into a quick lunch by serving over mixed salad greens or with a side of crisp cucumber salad for added freshness.

Storing Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to a sealed container to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and brown the ground turkey as you would beef.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use rice and ensure your broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free certified. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. You can also use spicy paprika or include diced green chiles for extra heat.

Best Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty stuffed pepper casserole delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavors with ground beef and rice. Cheesy layers and zesty seasonings create a comforting meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked white rice
• 3 bell peppers, chopped

Vegetable and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, approximately 6 minutes. Remove excess grease.
3. Incorporate bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables become slightly tender.
4. Blend uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, covering the skillet and reducing heat. Cook for 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
6. Transfer the entire skillet contents into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire mixture.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the casserole and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for extra heat or reducing for milder flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Pre-cook rice separately to ensure perfect texture and prevent potential mushiness in the final casserole dish.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add personal culinary flair.

• Prep Time: 9 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 397 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg