Quick & Colorful Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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

Colorful peppers nestled with savory ingredients create a delightful meal everyone will adore.

Layers of rich flavors promise a satisfying culinary experience that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite combines tender vegetables, hearty proteins, and melted cheese in perfect harmony.

Simple ingredients transform into an impressive dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Minimal prep time means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious solutions.

Grab your baking dish and let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole – Colorful and Tasty

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot, walk away, and return to a comforting meal that practically cooks itself with minimal effort.
• Comfort Food Made Easy: Transform a classic pot pie into a hassle-free dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table without complicated cooking techniques.
• Kid-Approved Meal Solution: Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a crispy golden crust, this recipe satisfies picky eaters and hungry families in one delicious swoop.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this recipe adapts to various occasions while delivering consistent, mouth-watering results.

What’s Needed for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the casserole.

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

• Uncooked Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the savory liquid and creates a substantial texture.
• Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra depth and helps cook the rice while enhancing the overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a golden, appealing crust on the casserole.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the ingredients and adding a subtle flavor.
• Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to retain moisture.

How to Prepare Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Splash olive oil into a large skillet and let the ground beef sizzle and brown over medium heat.

Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Toss in the Veggies

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Marinara sauce
• Beef broth

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: First Bake Session

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The rice will become tender and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

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

Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Advice

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that still packs flavor.
• Select bell peppers in different colors to make the dish visually appealing and add varied nutritional benefits.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber and a more nutritious meal that keeps you fuller longer.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking to brighten the flavors and introduce a fresh element to the dish.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole With a Twist

• Spicy Southwest Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add black beans, swap marinara for salsa, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Greek-Style Pepper Bake: Use ground lamb instead of beef, add oregano and feta cheese, mix in diced tomatoes and kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Pepper Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, use quinoa instead of rice, add roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for extra nutrition.
• Chicken and Spinach Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in fresh spinach, use white cheddar cheese, and add a touch of garlic powder for depth.

Sharing Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole directly from the baking dish with a fresh green salad on the side. The crisp salad balances the rich, cheesy flavors and adds a light touch to the meal.
• Tex-Mex Style Feast: Top the casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Wholesome Lunch Combo: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a satisfying work or school lunch. Include a small container of extra marinara sauce for dipping and some crunchy garlic bread on the side to complete the meal.

Storing Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Later

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Is this casserole a healthy meal option?

Yes, it provides balanced nutrition with lean protein from ground beef, vegetables from bell peppers and onions, and whole grains from rice. The recipe offers a nutritious one-dish meal packed with essential nutrients.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to customize the protein source while maintaining the recipe’s core flavors.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

No problem. You can replace marinara sauce with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or even salsa for a slightly different flavor profile. The key is maintaining a similar liquid consistency for cooking the rice.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole delivers robust flavors from ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a comforting meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large bell peppers (chopped)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Olive oil (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the casserole baking process.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned and no pink remains.
3. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers into the meat, cooking until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Mix uncooked rice, marinara sauce, and beef broth into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Carefully transfer the entire mixture to a prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
8. Remove foil and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching the cheese melt and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the ingredients and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the casserole.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free and verify all ingredients meet dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg