The Coziest Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

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

Layers of vibrant bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a hearty meal everyone craves.

Memories of home-cooked goodness flood back with each delicious bite.

Warm spices and rich tomato sauce blend perfectly in this one-dish wonder.

Mediterranean influences shine through the simple yet robust ingredients.

Simplicity meets flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this delectable casserole.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Loaded with Flavor

• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Perfect for feeding a group with minimal effort, this casserole delivers big flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground meats, experiment with different cheese blends, or add extra vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours without disrupting the core technique.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, grains, and vegetables into a single hearty meal that eliminates multiple cooking steps and reduces kitchen cleanup dramatically.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like ground meat, rice, and canned tomatoes to create a filling meal that won't break the bank while still tasting incredible.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a robust and flavorful foundation for the dish.

• Rice: A classic grain that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds satisfying texture to the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Broth: These ingredients create a moist and flavorful base that helps cook the rice and bind the ingredients together.

• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Black Pepper: A classic herb and spice blend that enhances the overall taste profile of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Parsley: These ingredients add a creamy, melty topping and a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a non-stick base in the skillet.

How to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some serious cooking magic.

Step 2: Sauté The Aromatic Base

In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and toss in diced onions.

Let them dance and become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown The Protein

Introduce ground beef or turkey to the skillet.

Break it down with a wooden spoon, cooking until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 4: Layer In Vibrant Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until everything becomes wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Uncooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Simmer And Transfer

Let the mixture simmer briefly, then transfer to a greased casserole dish.

Step 7: Initial Baking Session

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to become perfectly tender.

Step 8: Cheese Spectacular

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 9: Final Bake

Return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes irresistibly melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve with your favorite additional toppings.

Pro Tips for Hearty and Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that works perfectly with the recipe's seasoning profile.
• Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy during baking.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat that complements the bell peppers and creates a zesty flavor dimension.
• Prepare the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal prep.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the delicious stuffed pepper essence of the dish.

Variations to Customize Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and spinach for a Greek-inspired casserole variation.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Hearty Family Meal Companion: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced dinner experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with sour cream, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon bits to enhance flavor and protein content.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or basil just before serving to add bright, herbal notes and visual appeal.
• Bread Buddy: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up delicious casserole juices and complete the meal.

How to Store Stuffed Pepper Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the liquid by 1/2 cup and baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the brown rice cooks completely.

• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat and kick.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole without cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add cheese before baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole combines hearty ingredients for a comforting meal. Layers of rice, ground beef, peppers, and cheese create a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Incorporate minced garlic and bell peppers, stirring frequently and allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence.
5. Fold in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, enabling the rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
9. Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a molten cheese topping.
10. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and inviting.

Notes

• Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and create a heartier texture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg