Homemade Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time

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

Colorful peppers burst with savory goodness, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Layers of tender rice, seasoned ground meat, and melted cheese combine in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through robust ingredients and hearty textures.

Busy home cooks will appreciate the simplicity of assembling this one-pan wonder that feeds hungry families with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover the magic of this mouthwatering casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicy salsa to increase the heat and flavor profile of the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Stands Out

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey or plant-based protein to match dietary preferences and make this dish uniquely yours.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: One-pan cooking method reduces dishes, saving precious time and energy after preparing a delicious meal.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with colorful bell peppers, protein, and cheese, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults with its hearty and satisfying flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple preparation and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious dinner solution without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Used in Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base for the casserole.
• Cheese: A shredded cheddar that adds rich, melty goodness to the top of the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: A classic trio that creates a robust and fragrant flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Juicy ingredients that add moisture and tangy depth to the overall dish.

• Cooked Rice: A filling and satisfying grain that helps bind the casserole together.
• Broth: A liquid that enhances the overall moisture and flavor of the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that bring out the savory notes and add complexity to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Cook Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Well

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Veggie Magic

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these colorful friends until they soften and release their delicious aromas, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the meat until it turns a rich, golden brown. Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth

Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

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

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

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

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Scoop, serve, and enjoy!

Tips to Elevate Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Flavor

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly option that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Cook rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to boost the casserole's overall flavor profile and add depth to each bite.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top after baking for a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and extra taste dimension.
• Use different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations and keep the recipe exciting for repeat meals.
• Prep bell peppers and other ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster and more convenient, reducing total kitchen time.

Flavorful Additions That Complement Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Feast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Style: Use ground lamb, add oregano, swap cheddar for feta cheese, and include chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a satisfying dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings, as it travels well and reheats perfectly, making it an ideal crowd-pleasing option for community events or family reunions.
• Low-Carb Twist: For a lighter version, replace rice with cauliflower rice and top with extra cheese to maintain the delicious flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add some jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro and sour cream for a zesty southwestern spin on the classic recipe.

Storage Tips to Maintain Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Freshness

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in shallow containers to help it cool quickly and evenly in the refrigerator.
• Keep refrigerated leftovers for 3-4 days maximum for optimal taste and food safety.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Cheesy Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks discover a simple one-dish meal that brings robust southwestern flavors to their dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

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

Grains and Dairy:

• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 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. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until they become tender and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the vegetable mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color, breaking it into small crumbles.
4. Drain any excess fat from the meat, then incorporate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld together.
5. Carefully transfer the entire skillet contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a uniform covering.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.

Notes

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and make the dish heart-friendly.
• Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly as lean protein alternatives for those watching calories.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version of this comforting casserole.
• For added nutrition, mix in extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the sautéing stage to boost vegetable content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg