Savory Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Heartwarming Dinner Joy

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole that brings all the classic flavors without the fuss of individual peppers.

Packed with hearty ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese, this one-dish wonder simplifies traditional stuffed pepper preparation.

The casserole combines rich tomato sauce, aromatic seasonings, and colorful bell peppers into a satisfying meal that feeds a hungry crowd.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, soft rice, and zesty pepper goodness.

The recipe transforms a classic dish into an easy weeknight solution that everyone will love.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole That’s Anything but Ordinary

• Simplify Stuffed Peppers: Transform the classic stuffed pepper dish into an easy casserole that cuts down on preparation time and eliminates individual pepper stuffing.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combine all ingredients in a single skillet before baking, reducing dishes and making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its familiar, delicious flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe your own personal favorite.

Ingredients to Create Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and nutritional value to the dish.
• Rice: A filling grain that helps bind the casserole together and adds texture.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a savory and moist base for the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spices that add depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that provides a creamy and golden finish to the casserole.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that form the flavor foundation of the casserole, providing a delicious base for the other components.

Cooking Guide for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for the delicious casserole adventure ahead.

Step 2: Sizzle The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and toss in onions and garlic.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Brown The Protein

Drop in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color, breaking it into delectable crumbles.

Step 4: Pepper Party

Introduce colorful bell peppers to the skillet, letting them mingle and soften for a few minutes, adding vibrant texture and flavor.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Layers

• Cooked rice
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to create a mouthwatering blend.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish, then crown it with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Pull out the casserole and serve immediately, letting everyone dig into this comforting masterpiece.

Achieving the Best Layers in Pepper Casserole

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the taste profile and create more depth in the casserole.
• Use day-old rice or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a better texture throughout the dish.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a more appealing, stringy texture when serving.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same hearty feel.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.

New Ways to Fill Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep all other ingredients the same for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, substitute tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-style casserole.

Presenting Stuffed Pepper Casserole for Dinner

• Crowd-Pleasing Family Dinner: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add brightness and extra flavor complexity.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance creaminess and add a tangy protein boost.
• Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comfort food experience.

Storing Stuffed Pepper Casserole Leftovers Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Stays good for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best for this casserole?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives that still provide excellent flavor and protein.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is this casserole gluten-free?

The recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and checking that your tomato sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value and add more texture to the casserole.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole, blending classic flavors with easy preparation. Bold peppers, ground beef, and rice meld into a satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetable Base:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce

Seasoning and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking vessel for the hearty casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning thoroughly until no pink remains.
4. Fold chopped bell peppers into the meat mixture, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate cooked rice, tangy tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and rich beef broth into the skillet. Season generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs, stirring to combine all elements harmoniously.
6. Carefully transfer the robust mixture into a prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer of the savory concoction.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melty goodness.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving this comforting one-dish meal piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber.
• Consider topping with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving to add brightness and freshness to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg