Simple & Flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable stuffed pepper casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of vibrant bell peppers, hearty ground beef, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Families adore how simple ingredients combine into a one-pan marvel that saves time without sacrificing taste.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through each bite, bringing warmth and excitement to your table.

Weeknight meals rarely look this impressive or taste this incredible.

Minimal prep and maximum satisfaction make this dish a true winner for hungry crowds.

Let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Casserole a Comfort Food Favorite

• Quick Kitchen Adventure: This stuffed pepper casserole transforms traditional stuffed peppers into a hassle-free one-pan meal that saves precious cooking time and cleanup effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melted cheese, this dish delivers rich flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at family dinners.
• Budget-Friendly Goodness: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned tomatoes makes this recipe wallet-friendly without compromising taste or nutrition.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding different spices, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides protein and richness to the casserole.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth of flavor, texture, and colorful nutritional value to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: These ingredients create a tangy and moist base for the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cooked Rice: A filling and substantial component that helps bind the casserole together.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty and rich topping that adds a creamy and savory finish to the casserole.

How to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Brown The Meat And Onions

Grab a large skillet and toss in ground beef and chopped onions. Sizzle and cook over medium heat until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté The Peppers

Toss in colorful green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Let them dance and cook until they become tender and slightly soft.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Explosion

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

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a melty, golden blanket.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve And Devour

Pull out the casserole and serve it piping hot. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Pro Tips for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Choose bell peppers with firm, smooth skin for maximum freshness and better texture in the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor twists.
• Opt for brown rice or quinoa as healthier alternatives to white rice, boosting nutritional value without compromising taste.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations of Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in black beans for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Veggie Pepper Bake: Swap ground beef with chickpeas, incorporate feta cheese, add kalamata olives, use quinoa instead of rice, and sprinkle with fresh oregano.
• Chicken and Spinach Pepper Casserole: Use ground chicken instead of beef, mix in fresh spinach, replace cheddar with mozzarella, and add Italian herbs for a lighter protein option.
• Greek-Style Lamb Pepper Casserole: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, include crumbled feta, add pine nuts, use orzo pasta instead of rice, and season with mint and dill.

Pairing Recommendations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Salad: Create a light, crisp side salad with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of olive oil to balance the casserole's hearty profile.
• Match with Crisp Garlic Bread: Toast French bread slices with garlic butter to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Cool Down with Tangy Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool sour cream on top to cut through the casserole's warmth and provide a creamy, tangy finish.

Storage Tips for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs on Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Simply cook it the same way as ground beef and follow the recipe as instructed.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice. Always double-check your rice and tomato sauce labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture while cooking. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole, blending classic bell pepper flavors with hearty ground beef and rice. Delightful layers of melted cheese and savory seasonings promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Tomato and Rice Base:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Add chopped green and red bell peppers to the meat mixture, sautéing until vegetables become slightly softened and translucent.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, tangy tomato sauce, pre-cooked rice, and season with salt and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the robust meat and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, creating a uniform cheese layer.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Remove from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Precook rice slightly less than normal to prevent becoming mushy during the baking process.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg