Sizzling Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort arrives with this quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

Peppers bursting with hearty ingredients create a delightful meal you can whip up in minutes.

Rich flavors meld together, promising a satisfying experience for everyone at the table.

Cheesy and warm, this dish brings a touch of home-style cooking to your kitchen.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment without spending hours over the stove.

Layers of seasoned meat, rice, and vibrant vegetables make each bite a delicious adventure.

Dive into this easy recipe that will become your new favorite go-to meal.

Pepper Stuffing Casserole Made Easy With These Simple Fixes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious taste.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences and variety.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Store Leftovers Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep refrigerated stuffed pepper casserole for 3-4 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure and prevent drying.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Quick Stuffed Pepper Casserole Pairings

• Perfectly Matched Wine Partner: Robust red Zinfandel enhances the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's hearty profile with its spicy undertones.
• Complementary Herb Boost: Fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds bright, zesty notes that lift the dish's warmth and complexity.
• Tangy Side Companion: Quick cucumber and tomato salad dressed with light vinaigrette provides cool, acidic contrast to the casserole's warm, cheesy richness.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Crisp Mexican-style lager beer cleanses the palate between bites, balancing the dish's robust meat and cheese elements with its light, clean finish.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Quick Custom Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese. Include cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free rice and check seasoning labels to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions to replicate the flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitute crumbles to maintain the protein content and texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve. It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is Easy And Flavorful

• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Transforms classic stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish meal that saves precious cooking time.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just one skillet and a casserole dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Combines kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and rice with nutritious bell peppers, creating a balanced meal everyone will love.
• Budget-Conscious Comfort: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients while delivering a satisfying, hearty dinner that won't break the bank and provides excellent leftovers.

Quick Pepper Casserole Prep Mix

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the casserole, choose lean ground beef for less fat.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat base, enhances overall savory profile.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and nutritious core ingredient that gives the casserole its signature stuffed pepper taste, use a mix of red, green, or yellow peppers for visual appeal.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and sharp flavor, fresh cloves recommended for best taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor, canned variety works perfectly for convenience.

• Rice: Serves as a filling and textural element, cooked rice helps bind the casserole together.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts and creates a creamy, rich topping, choose a mild cheddar or Mexican blend.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Quick Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a delicious pepper casserole adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Rice Base

Cook rice following the package guidelines, creating a fluffy foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Brown Protein Power

In a large skillet, sizzle ground beef over medium heat until it turns a delectable golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Veggie Transformation

• Bell peppers (diced)
• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Create Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes
• Cooked rice
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering blend of tastes and textures.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole Magic

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

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

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Pull out your creation, let it cool for a moment, then serve immediately.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade stuffed pepper casserole!

Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Pepper lovers rejoice in this mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole that brings classic comfort to dinner tables. Hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese combine in one delicious dish you cannot resist diving into.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (185 g) rice (cooked)
• 3 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect warming environment for our pepper-packed culinary creation.
2. Prepare rice using package guidance, ensuring each grain is perfectly tender and fluffy.
3. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits until thoroughly browned and releasing its rich flavor.
4. Carefully drain any lingering fat from the meat to maintain a lean and clean base for the dish.
5. Introduce vibrant bell peppers, aromatic onions, and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their enticing fragrance.
6. Pour in juicy diced tomatoes, fold in the cooked rice, and generously season with Italian herbs, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the surface, transforming the mixture into a creamy, indulgent casserole.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.
9. Remove from the oven, let it rest momentarily, then serve this comforting dish piping hot, ready to delight eager taste buds.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version with reduced fat content.
• Rinse rice after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping in the casserole.
• Customize the heat level by using different pepper varieties like jalapeños or mild bell peppers to suit taste preferences.
• Consider preparing this dish ahead of time and refrigerating before baking, which allows flavors to meld and creates a more intense taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg