Quick & Zesty Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Blending comfort and convenience, this hearty stuffed bell pepper casserole brings zesty flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and vibrant vegetables create a mouthwatering one-dish meal.

Mediterranean spices weave through each delectable bite, promising rich, satisfying results.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both familiar and exciting.

Colorful bell peppers add visual appeal and nutritional punch to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Bell Pepper Casserole with Hearty Fillings

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates and adds extra vegetable nutrition.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, black beans, or lentils to create a hearty meatless alternative packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and fresh parsley to transform the casserole with Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and verify that all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Feeds A Crowd With Ease

• Streamline Meal Prep: Perfect for busy families, this casserole combines all stuffed pepper ingredients into one easy dish, cutting down chopping and individual stuffing time.
• Quick and Convenient Cooking: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
• Versatile Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, the casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and basic pantry staples, delivering a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Components In Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.
• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Classic vegetable trio that creates a flavorful and aromatic base for the dish.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that helps bind the casserole and adds comforting texture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Juicy components that keep the casserole moist and add tangy depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty, golden topping that creates a delicious crispy layer and adds creamy richness.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole How To Make

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Toss in the Veggie Crew

• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious essence.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Symphony

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

Let everything bubble and mingle for about 5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole Magic

Pour the simmering mixture into a casserole dish and crown it with a generous blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, signaling culinary greatness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a moment, then dive into this comfort food feast.

Enjoy every delicious bite!

Cooking Tips For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to create unique flavor profiles and suit different taste preferences.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans to create a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing protein.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This strategy saves time during hectic weekday meals.
• Incorporate chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the mixture to increase vegetable content and enhance overall nutritional value.
• Adjust seasonings by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or mild green chiles to customize heat intensity for different family members' preferences.

Store Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Seal in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated completely. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.

Bell Pepper Casserole Tasty Pairings

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty beef and rich tomato flavors with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Balance the casserole's warm, heavy textures with a crisp mixed green salad featuring cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy side of toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a complementary carbohydrate element.
• Finish with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Cut through the richness of the casserole with a refreshing lemon-lime sparkling water or a light citrus mocktail to cleanse the palate.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings layers of spicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one comforting dish. Quick weeknight dinners become deliciously simple when you combine bold flavors and classic ingredients in this hearty southwestern-style meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup (192 grams) rice, cooked
• 1 12 cups (300 grams) shredded cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Brown the ground meat in a spacious skillet, carefully eliminating any lingering excess fat to ensure a lean and flavorful base.
3. Introduce colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, and pungent garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant essence.
4. Incorporate the previously cooked rice, tangy diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding the flavors together.
5. Carefully transfer the robust mixture into a waiting casserole dish, creating an inviting canvas of textures and colors.
6. Generously crown the dish with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, letting it bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece with enticing crisp edges.
8. Remove from the oven and allow a brief moment of rest before serving the dish piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and delicious.
• Quick-cooking rice or pre-cooked rice can dramatically reduce preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
• Choose different colored bell peppers to create a vibrant, visually appealing dish that pops on the dinner table.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking to enhance the freshness and bring a bright finishing touch to the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg