Try This Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole delivers comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients create a delightful twist on traditional pepper dishes.

Bell peppers nestle perfectly between seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, promising a satisfying meal.

Families adore this simple yet impressive casserole that comes together quickly.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a hearty dinner without stress.

Dive into this recipe and transform your weeknight cooking with one incredible dish.

Tricks for Tender Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Choose colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and green to make the dish visually appealing and add more nutritional variety.
• Rinse cooked rice under cold water to prevent clumping and ensure a fluffy texture in the casserole.
• Add extra spice by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy heat.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation easier.

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Bell Pepper Bake: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Mediterranean Pepper Casserole: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and swap tomato sauce with Greek-style yogurt for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Incorporate diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beautifully

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a side of crisp green salad for added freshness and nutrition.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into individual containers for easy lunch options during the week, maintaining delicious flavors and convenience.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller squares and serve as a tasty appetizer or party snack, perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add a zesty southwestern flair to the classic casserole.

Keeping Stuffed Pepper Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
• Divide into individual portions for easier reheating and grab-and-go meals.
• Freeze the casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and ensuring your tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 510 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Family-Friendly Comfort

• Simplify Meal Prep: Transform traditional stuffed peppers into a hassle-free casserole that saves cooking time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors like ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its hearty and satisfying profile.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pan recipe offers a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and grains all baked together in a delicious, budget-friendly format.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different cheese varieties, or include extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and provides rich, meaty flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Rice: A filling grain that helps bind the casserole together and adds substance.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that creates a golden, crispy layer on the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: These ingredients work together to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Broth: These ingredients create moisture and depth of flavor in the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking in the skillet.

Step-by-Step Stuffed Pepper Casserole Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C) and get your 9×13 baking dish ready by giving it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sizzle Veggies to Perfection

Grab a large skillet and splash in some olive oil.

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook these beauties until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until the meat turns a delicious golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

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

Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to create a flavor explosion.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dive in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy stuffed pepper casserole brings classic Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables across North America. Home cooks can quickly prepare this hearty one-pan meal with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sauté chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then introduce cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir ingredients to create a harmonious blend and allow flavors to meld for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring smooth distribution.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden, melted, and slightly crispy around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the ingredients and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Customize the rice by using brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and different textures.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg