Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Warm comfort arrives with this hearty stuffed pepper casserole that blends classic flavors in a delightful one-pan meal.

Peppers bursting with savory goodness create a wholesome dinner everyone craves.

Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this dish brings excitement to your weeknight menu.

Layers of robust ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Families appreciate how quickly you can assemble this casserole without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Simple yet delicious, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Dig in and savor every comforting bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works perfectly! Just cook it according to package instructions and ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes. Keep seasoning and other steps the same.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that your tomato sauce doesn’t contain gluten. Always verify ingredient labels.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe is mild. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the meat cooking stage for extra kick.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Casserole So Hearty

• Transforms classic stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish meal that everyone will devour without the complicated stuffing process.
• Prepares in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families needing delicious dinner solutions with minimal kitchen time and effort.
• Combines affordable ingredients like ground meat, rice, and peppers to create a protein-packed meal that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Easily adaptable by switching proteins, using different cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes in This Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Rich source of protein that adds heartiness to the casserole, lean options work best for a healthier dish.
• Rice: Provides a fluffy base for the casserole, long-grain white rice is ideal for best texture.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation with sweet and aromatic qualities, fresh and crisp peppers ensure best results.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to bind the casserole, fire-roasted tomatoes can enhance depth.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty topping that adds richness, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend work wonderfully.

• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that boost overall flavor profile, dried herbs are convenient and potent.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh, bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking, extra virgin offers best flavor.

Quick Instructions for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting it ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Follow the package directions to prepare rice. Set it aside for the magic to happen.

Step 3: Craft the Savory Meat Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up while cooking. Sprinkle in seasonings like salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the meat is perfectly browned and fully done. Drain any extra grease.

Step 4: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Cooked meat and onion mixture
• Prepared rice
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes

Stir in half of the shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole Foundation

Spread chopped bell peppers across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the meat and rice mixture over the peppers, creating an even layer.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and the peppers become tender.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Expert Tips for Building Layers of Flavor

• Prep Like a Pro: Chop bell peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess liquid and maintain a thick, hearty casserole consistency.
• Layer Strategically: Place bell pepper pieces at the bottom for a roasted base that adds depth and prevents soggy bottom layers.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready- perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

How to Store Stuffed Pepper Casserole Properly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Serve These Sides with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel that matches the robust flavors of the beef and tomato sauce.
• Add a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Prepare a cool tzatziki-style yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm casserole.

Casserole Twists You Can Try Next Time

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a low-carb alternative. Maintain the same spice blend and cheese topping for a keto-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and add dried oregano. Use ground lamb instead of beef for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap regular tomato sauce with enchilada sauce, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top. Include a dash of cumin and chili powder for extra heat.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Southwest “Stuffed Pepper Casserole” brings hearty comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending rich ground beef, zesty peppers, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Friendly and filling, this casserole delivers classic flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 bell peppers (red & green), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Craft the rice foundation according to package guidance, reserving it for later integration.
3. Initiate the flavor development by warming olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
4. Introduce ground protein, methodically fragmenting it while cooking. Enhance with a medley of seasonings – salt, pepper, oregano, and basil – ensuring thorough incorporation and complete protein transformation. Eliminate any residual fat accumulation.
5. Construct the casserole base by amalgamating the protein-onion mixture with prepared rice, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Fold in approximately half of the shredded cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Strategically distribute chopped bell peppers across the bottom of a pre-greased 9×13-inch baking vessel. Gently cascade the rice and protein mixture over the pepper landscape, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Crown the casserole with the remaining cheese, creating a molten golden canopy.
8. Position the assembled dish within the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes. Await the telltale signs of culinary perfection: bubbling cheese and tender peppers.
9. Extract the casserole, permitting a brief cooling interlude. Optional: Embellish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve while warmth and flavor remain at their peak.

Notes

• Customize peppers by using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for vibrant color and varied flavor profiles.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that’s protein-packed and delicious.
• Control spice levels by adding mild or hot salsa instead of plain tomato sauce, letting you adjust heat according to personal preference.
• Make this dish ahead by preparing the entire casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which enhances flavor melding and saves time during meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg