Zesty Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed bell pepper casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Colorful peppers nestle among layers of savory ingredients, creating a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheese melts perfectly between tender vegetables and seasoned meat, promising a satisfying experience.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness and culinary creativity.

Nutritious and hearty, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bold flavors dance together, inviting you to savor every delectable spoonful.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing its deliciousness with everyone around your table.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Ensure the casserole cools completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months for longer storage.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking. This will give the casserole an extra kick of heat.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Bursting With Flavor

• Maximize Flavor Layers: Packed with savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melted mozzarella, this casserole delivers incredible taste in every single bite.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation and minimal ingredients make this recipe a total game-changer for busy home cooks looking for delicious, stress-free meals.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults will love this hearty, cheesy dish that combines classic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for gathering everyone around the table.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Protein-rich beef, colorful vegetables, and filling rice create a balanced meal that sneaks in plenty of nutrients without sacrificing incredible flavor.

Ingredients For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that creates a golden, gooey layer on the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Moisture-rich ingredients that create a saucy base and add rich flavor to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meat and vegetables, providing a smooth cooking surface and subtle flavor.

How To Prepare Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Sizzle And Brown The Base

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in olive oil.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Cook everything until the beef looks perfectly browned and the veggies are soft and tender, which takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Rice

Shake in some salt and pepper to make those flavors pop.

Step 4: Simmer And Soften

Let the mixture bubble gently, cover the skillet, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until the rice becomes wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Casserole Magic

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips For Perfect Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole version.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that fits different dietary needs.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top after baking for a vibrant finish.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for deeper taste.

Flavorful Variations For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Bell Pepper Bake: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly alternative that's equally satisfying.
• Mediterranean-Style Casserole: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, and incorporate oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Pepper Casserole: Mix in diced green chiles, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder to create a zesty southwestern spin.

Serving Suggestions For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Comfort Food Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal that brings color and crunch to your plate.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Top the casserole with sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro to add a zesty southwestern flair that wakes up your taste buds.
• Family-Style Delight: Create a build-your-own station by offering extra toppings like chopped green onions, hot sauce, and crumbled tortilla chips for everyone to customize their portion.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside crispy toast for a protein-packed breakfast experience.

Quick Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole blends zesty flavors with hearty ingredients. Colorful peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 small onion, diced

Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (190 grams) uncooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and combine ground beef, onion, and bell peppers. Allow the meat to brown and vegetables to soften, approximately 7-8 minutes, then carefully eliminate excess grease.
3. Enhance the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and rice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Gently reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer, covering the skillet to ensure even cooking. Allow the rice to absorb liquid and become tender, roughly 15 minutes.
5. Transfer the aromatic mixture into a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that works great for health-conscious eaters.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture and preventing the casserole from becoming too sticky or gummy.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal that kids and adults will enjoy.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg