Cozy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: Family Dinner Joy

Crafting a delightful stuffed pepper casserole brings together comfort and flavor in one incredible dish.

Peppers bursting with savory goodness create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese promise a satisfying dinner experience.

Home cooks can quickly assemble this crowd-pleasing recipe without spending hours in the kitchen.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend perfectly to create a hearty and nutritious meal.

Colorful bell peppers add vibrant appeal and delicious nutrition to every single bite.

Come explore this simple yet spectacular casserole that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.

Why You’ll Crave This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Combine all the classic stuffed pepper flavors into one easy-to-make casserole that saves you chopping and stuffing individual peppers.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different cheeses, or toss in extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly match your family's taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with familiar ingredients like rice, meat, and tomato sauce, this casserole becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet and baking dish, making this recipe a stress-free meal solution for busy households.

What Goes into Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: A lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Colorful vegetables that provide a sweet and aromatic base for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that contribute moisture and tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Cooked Rice: A fluffy and filling ingredient that helps bind the casserole together.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich and smooth sauce that enhances the overall tomato flavor.
• Broth: A flavorful liquid that adds depth and helps create a moist casserole.

• Salt, Pepper, Other Seasonings: Spices that enhance and balance the flavors of the ingredients.

• Cheese: A melty and creamy topping that adds richness and extra flavor to the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Right

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for the culinary magic.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

In a spacious skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Sizzle The Vegetable Medley

• diced onions
• minced garlic
• chopped bell peppers

Sauté everything until the veggies become wonderfully soft and fragrant, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create A Flavor Explosion

• diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid
• rich tomato sauce
• savory broth
• fluffy cooked rice
• your favorite seasonings

Mix everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 5: Prepare The Casserole Vessel

Transfer the spectacular mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. If you’re craving cheesy goodness, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly, then shower it with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this delectable dish and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Smart Tips for a Great Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that still delivers robust flavor and protein.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella to create unique taste profiles and keep the casserole exciting.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat and want to elevate the spice level.
• Check internal meat temperature reaches 160F to ensure safe cooking and prevent any potential foodborne illnesses when using ground meat.

Ways to Switch Up Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for depth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Mediterranean-Style Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano. Use lamb instead of beef for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap tomato sauce with salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for extra kick.

Best Sides for Stuffed Pepper Casserole Meals

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and tomato sauce.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's warmth.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add a complementary texture to the meal.
• Top with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or basil over the casserole to brighten the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish.

Storing Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain best quality and flavor.

Place individual servings on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor if desired.

FAQs

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and ensure the rice is also gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe and provides a leaner protein option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.

• What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Pre-cooked or leftover rice can also be used to make preparation faster and easier.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild seasoning. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use a spicy salsa instead of regular diced tomatoes.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole that brings classic Mexican flavors to your dinner table. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese create a hearty one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large bell peppers, chopped (any color)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 14.5 ounces (414 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the casserole to bake evenly.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, ensuring a rich, caramelized texture. Carefully drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
3. Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables become tender and fragrant, releasing their natural flavors, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and broth into the skillet. Fold in cooked rice and a blend of herbs and spices, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Transfer the aromatic mixture to a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese across the surface, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
7. Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling it to set and cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and protein content.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the casserole’s taste complexity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal, storing chopped vegetables and cooked meat separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg