Heavenly Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Delight

Comfort arrives in unexpected ways with this hearty stuffed pepper casserole that transforms weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

Family meals become effortless when layered ingredients create complex flavors without complicated techniques.

Bell peppers, ground beef, and rice mingle beneath a golden cheese blanket that promises satisfaction.

Warm spices whisper hints of excitement through each carefully assembled bite.

Mediterranean influences dance softly within this simple yet elegant dish.

Seasonal produce and pantry staples collaborate to craft something truly special.

Dive into a culinary adventure that will have everyone requesting seconds.

Save Stuffed Pepper Casserole For A Tasty Next-Day Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, lasting up to 3 months for future quick meals.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Ideas That Work with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory flavors of the beef and bell peppers.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty texture and cut through its richness.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious tomato and beef sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Tangy Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced casserole and add a smooth, tangy element.

Tex Mex Casserole Edits

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using similar seasonings for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic stuffed pepper flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder to create a fiery version with extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking Worcestershire sauce and seasonings for potential gluten contamination.

FAQs

• Are bell peppers necessary for this recipe?

Bell peppers provide essential flavor and texture to the casserole. While you can substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers contribute a sweet and vibrant taste that enhances the overall dish.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly in this recipe. Just remember to adjust cooking time since brown rice typically requires longer simmering to become tender. You might need to add a bit more liquid and increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Always check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten sources are present, especially in seasonings and sauces.

• How spicy is this casserole?

This version is mild with a subtle warmth from cumin and paprika. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process to increase the spice level.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole That’s Hearty, Cheesy, And Flavorful

• Quick Family Meal: Transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish casserole that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adapts perfectly for different dietary preferences by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for flexible meal planning.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers rich, hearty flavors with a cheesy topping that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and bell peppers to create a nutritious meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

All Parts In A Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the casserole, choose 90% lean for healthier option.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and tenderizes the meat.

• White Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders with aromatic qualities.
• Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable additions that provide sweetness and texture.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Ground Cumin: Warm spice blend that creates complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal notes.

• Basmati Rice: Light, fluffy grain that absorbs flavors well, best when rinsed before cooking.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creamy texture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy base for the casserole.
• Water: Liquid for cooking rice and creating sauce consistency.

How To Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

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

Step 2: Sizzle The Onions

Pour olive oil into a large skillet and dance those onions around until they turn soft and see-through.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Toss in ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let the spices mingle and party.

Step 5: Pepper Party

• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper

Cook until the peppers become tender and vibrant.

Step 6: Create The Saucy Base

• Water
• Chopped tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Rice

Bring everything to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until rice is perfectly tender.

Step 7: Build The Casserole

Transfer the saucy mixture into a baking dish and crown it with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Dive in and enjoy!

Tips for Stuffed Pepper Bake

• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and protein content.
• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to add unique taste profiles and suit different preferences.
• Use long-grain white rice or brown rice, and ensure precise liquid measurements to prevent mushy or undercooked grains.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the casserole.
• Substitute Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free version and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings bold southwestern flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and colorful bell peppers combine into a comforting one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• Chopped fresh parsley for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for a bubbling casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and sizzle onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the pan, browning the meat thoroughly and breaking it into small, even crumbles.
4. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, infusing the meat with robust flavors.
5. Incorporate minced garlic and vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
6. Pour in water, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, savory liquid base, then fold in rice.
7. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
8. Transfer the hearty mixture into a baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delicious bites.
9. Generously blanket the surface with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 15-20 minutes.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a final touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of the casserole that suits different dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant, garden-fresh taste that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg