Cozy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: Dinner Magic In One Pan

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

Layers of vibrant bell peppers mingle with seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice.

Melted cheese blankets each bite with irresistible warmth.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this special or satisfying.

Families will devour every single scoop with enthusiastic appreciation.

Hearty and full of bold flavors, this dish comes together quickly and easily.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this mouthwatering casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, ground pork, or even use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and check that your seasonings are certified gluten-free. Just be sure to verify all ingredient labels.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture during cooking to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole To Enjoy

• Speedily Satisfy Hunger: Tackle weeknight dinners with this lightning-fast chili that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal.
• Minimize Kitchen Mess: Requiring only five ingredients and one pot, this recipe slashes cleanup time and reduces the number of dishes you'll need to wash afterward.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your chili by adding optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for everyone's taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like ground meat, canned tomatoes, and beans to create a filling meal that won't break the bank, ideal for economical home cooking.

Ingredients For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and robust flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Tomato Paste: Provides depth and concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a cohesive texture in the casserole.

• Rice: A classic filling component that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that bring out the savory flavors of the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that creates a golden, delicious crust.

How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Toss ground beef or turkey into a sizzling skillet, cooking until it’s perfectly browned and no longer pink.

Drain away any excess grease for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Wake Up the Veggies

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a quick minute.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything simmer and get to know each other for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Introduce the Rice

Fold cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb lovers) into the skillet, creating a beautiful, hearty mixture.

Step 6: Create the Casserole Canvas

Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread it out evenly, then shower generously with shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for that magical moment when the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a moment, and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner is served!

Tips For Flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the casserole.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra depth and subtle heat in the dish.
• Consider using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator to reduce cooking time and make meal preparation faster and easier.

Variations To Try With Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Pepper Bake: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Swap ground meat with lamb, incorporate feta cheese, add oregano, and sprinkle kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Casserole: Use cauliflower rice exclusively, add extra vegetables like zucchini, and include cream cheese for a richer, lower-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Pepper Casserole: Replace ground meat with quinoa, add extra vegetables like spinach and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth for a protein-packed meatless option.

Serving Ideas For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Top the casserole with fresh salsa, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Serve with lime wedges to add a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Create a build-your-own station with extra toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and hot sauce. Let everyone customize their portion for a fun, interactive meal. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the hearty casserole.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor if desired.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole combines hearty ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one comforting dish. Savory layers of bell peppers and zesty seasonings create a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
3. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, around 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
4. Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth into the skillet. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 7-8 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop depth.
5. Fold cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) into the skillet, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the complete mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface. Generously scatter shredded cheese across the top.
7. Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute to reduce overall carbohydrate intake while keeping the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to create unique taste variations and add extra depth to the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg