The Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of vibrant bell peppers, hearty ground beef, and melted cheese come together in a single, satisfying dish.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Families will appreciate how quickly you can assemble these delicious ingredients into a wholesome meal.

Imagine skipping the traditional stuffed pepper preparation and enjoying all the same incredible tastes in an easy-to-serve format.

Cheesy, savory, and packed with nutrients, this casserole brings excitement to your dining table.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your new go-to dinner solution.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Casserole A Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Transform traditional stuffed peppers into a stress-free casserole that saves precious kitchen time and reduces complicated assembly steps.
• Customize for Comfort: Easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to match dietary preferences and create a personalized meal experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize dishes and cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking ingredients and transferring directly into a baking dish, making this recipe perfect for busy households.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with hearty protein, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its delicious, familiar taste profile.

Ingredients Used in Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious casserole and provides rich flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Rice: A classic grain that creates a satisfying and filling foundation for the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and a golden-brown finish to the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Moisture-rich ingredients that create a rich, saucy base for the casserole.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and let it heat up.

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they become fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Cook the meat until it turns a rich, appetizing brown color, breaking it into small crumbles.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Mix everything together to create a vibrant, aromatic mixture.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly.

Let the mixture bubble and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the rice to start softening and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a melty, golden blanket.

Step 7: First Bake

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the rice becomes perfectly tender and the cheese begins to melt.

Step 8: Final Crisp

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

This will create a beautifully golden and slightly crispy cheese topping. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Steps to Elevate Stuffed Pepper Casserole Taste

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative. Choose brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor. Enhance the recipe's vegetable content by adding extra bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients and texture. Make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the broth and seasoning labels carefully.

Flavor Additions That Work in Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Pepper Casserole: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Casserole: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Pepper Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Side Dishes That Go Well with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Family Fiesta Night: Transform this casserole into a fun dinner celebration with colorful toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for extra zest.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, keeping meals delicious and convenient.
• Protein Power Boost: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven, and consider adding a fried egg on top for a quick breakfast remix that breathes new life into the casserole.

Tips to Keep Stuffed Pepper Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store stuffed pepper casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or extra beans to maintain protein content.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicy version of paprika to increase heat level. Adjust according to your personal spice preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Spicy, cheesy goodness comes together in one simple dish that promises satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked rice
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment for the casserole.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook thoroughly until the meat browns and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
4. Incorporate diced bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the skillet, creating a robust and flavorful base for the casserole.
5. Fold in uncooked rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. Allow the ingredients to meld together by bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the rice begins to soften.
6. Carefully transfer the prepared mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty layer that will add richness and texture.
8. Shield the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook completely and the flavors to intensify.
9. Remove the foil during the final 5 minutes of baking to achieve a beautifully browned cheese topping. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly before adding to minimize excess starch and ensure fluffy texture in the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor and protein profile.
• Choose bell peppers with similar sizes for even cooking and consistent presentation in the dish.
• For vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to maintain protein content and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg