Quick & Savory Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Bold flavors mingle effortlessly in this one-pan wonder.

Peppers burst with hearty ingredients that promise satisfaction in every bite.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that combine convenience and deliciousness.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through each layer, creating a delightful harmony of taste.

Cheese melts seamlessly, binding ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Savor this weeknight dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

Features of Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Streamline Meal Prep: Combine traditional stuffed peppers into a hassle-free casserole that saves chopping and individual stuffing time.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this dish offers familiar flavors kids and adults will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing and baking everything in a single baking dish, reducing washing and organizing after cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef with turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that adds depth and savory flavor to the dish.

• Cooked Rice: Adds substance and helps bind the casserole together.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and creates a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the overall flavor.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that bring out the delicious flavors of the beef and vegetables.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty layer that creates a golden and delicious crust.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Veggies

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

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

Step 3: Brown The Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook until the meat transforms from pink to a delicious golden brown. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 4: Mix And Simmer

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Let everything bubble and mingle for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.

Step 5: Layer And Cheese

Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has gorgeous golden spots.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious stuffed pepper casserole!

Helpful Tips for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, appetizing texture.
• Choose bell peppers in different colors for a vibrant, visually appealing dish that adds nutritional variety.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions after baking to boost freshness and provide a zesty garnish.
• For extra protein, mix in a handful of quinoa with the rice or top the casserole with a layer of scrambled eggs before the cheese melts.

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Mediterranean Pepper Bake: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano and add feta cheese with kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Casserole: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Southwest Pepper Casserole: Mix in jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern spin on the original recipe.

Suggested Pairings for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Serve this casserole as a hearty main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table, perfect for weekly family meals or casual gatherings.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion and store individual servings in meal prep containers for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week, providing convenient nutrition.
• Mexican-Inspired Twist: Top the casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add a zesty southwestern flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve with tortilla chips on the side, allowing guests to scoop the casserole and enjoy it as a fun, interactive dish during sports watching parties or casual get-togethers.

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 healthier alternative.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and verify that your seasonings and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicy Italian seasoning blend to increase the heat level of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Delicious Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole blends hearty ground beef with zesty peppers and melted cheese. Diners savor rich flavors and convenient preparation in this comforting one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 3 bell peppers (diced)
• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook thoroughly until meat is completely browned and no pink remains, breaking into small crumbles.
4. Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture to reduce unnecessary fat content.
5. Incorporate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, melding the flavors together.
6. Transfer the entire beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden, melted, and slightly bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Create a low-carb version by replacing rice with cauliflower rice, reducing the carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, making weeknight dinners super convenient.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner protein option that caters to different dietary preferences and health goals.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the beef mixture, increasing fiber and micronutrient content without compromising taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg