If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect choice! This recipe takes the classic flavors of stuffed peppers and transforms them into a hearty, easy-to-make casserole that’s packed with nutrition.
With tender bell peppers, savory ground meat, rice, and flavorful spices, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked dinner.
In under an hour, you’ll have a flavor-packed main course that’s not only great for dinner but also makes delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is sure to become a new favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
✔ Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this casserole is stress-free—even for beginner cooks.
✔ Flavorful and Versatile: Customize the Stuffed Pepper Casserole with your favorite ingredients, adjusting spices to suit your taste.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, holiday gathering, or casual meal with friends, this dish is always a hit.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of a classic stuffed pepper dish in an effortless one-pan casserole—a recipe you’ll want to make again and again! 🍽️🔥
Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
✔ Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for vibrant color and fresh flavor. Choose firm, blemish-free peppers for the best results.
✔ Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground beef or turkey works perfectly, providing a rich, protein-packed base for the casserole.
✔ Cooked Rice: White or brown rice both work well—just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole for the best texture.
✔ Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with juice add moisture and flavor. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes to enhance depth.
✔ Onion: Finely chopped yellow onions add a subtle sweetness and enhance overall taste.
✔ Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a robust, aromatic touch—adjust to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
✔ Cheese: A melty, gooey topping is a must! Use shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy, irresistible finish.
The full ingredients list with exact measurements is included in the recipe card below.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this flavor-packed Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Chop some of the tops finely to mix into the filling for extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in chopped onions, minced garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped bell pepper tops, salt, pepper, and spices into the meat mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the meat mixture at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Place whole bell peppers upright in the dish.
- Fill each pepper with the remaining meat mixture and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
Once baked, transfer to plates and drizzle with your favorite sauce for the perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy this Stuffed Pepper Casserole as a comforting, nutritious, and satisfying meal any night of the week! 🍽️🔥
Tips and Tricks for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Want to make your Stuffed Pepper Casserole even better? Follow these expert tips for a perfectly flavorful and well-balanced dish:
✔ Even Cooking: Chop all ingredients into similar sizes to ensure consistent cooking times.
✔ Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before cooking for even distribution of flavors.
✔ Add More Veggies: Enhance nutrition by incorporating zucchini, corn, or mushrooms into your casserole.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This hearty and satisfying casserole pairs well with:
🥔 Rice or Potatoes – A filling base that absorbs all the rich, savory flavors.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light and refreshing contrast to balance the dish.
🍞 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce!
Feel free to mix and match with your favorite sides for a personalized meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
🔹 Make Ahead: Prep components like chopping veggies and cooking rice up to two days in advance. Store them in airtight containers until ready to use.
🔹 Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
🔹 Reheating:
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for about 2 minutes.
- Oven: Reheat the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Suggestions for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor of your casserole. Choose crisp bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality ground meat for the best results. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhances the dish even more, providing a vibrant, aromatic taste that dried herbs can’t match.
Don’t Overcook Your Peppers
Overcooked peppers become mushy and dull. Keep them slightly firm by either blanching them briefly before baking or using them raw for a crunchier texture. Since they’ll continue to cook in the oven, watch their doneness carefully.
Layer Flavors Properly
The secret to a flavor-packed Stuffed Pepper Casserole is layering!
✔ Start with sautéed onions and garlic for a fragrant base.
✔ Season each layer well to avoid blandness.
✔ Gradually add diced tomatoes and herbs to build depth.
✔ Sprinkle cheese at different stages for even melting and deliciousness.
Don’t Forget About Seasoning
A well-seasoned casserole makes all the difference! Use a blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin for a warm, earthy flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for a balanced, mouthwatering dish.
FAQs: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
What can I substitute for rice in stuffed pepper casserole?
If you’re looking for a low-carb or high-protein alternative, try:
✔ Quinoa – A protein-rich grain with a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
✔ Cauliflower rice – A low-carb option that absorbs flavors well.
✔ Lentils or farro – Great for added fiber and a hearty texture.
Each alternative enhances your Stuffed Pepper Casserole while catering to different dietary needs!
Can I make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepping ahead enhances flavors and makes mealtime easier:
✔ Assemble all ingredients without baking.
✔ Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
✔ Before baking, let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven.
This method allows flavors to meld, ensuring a delicious, hassle-free meal!
How long does stuffed pepper casserole last in the fridge?
Your casserole stays fresh for 3-5 days when stored properly:
✔ Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
✔ Label the date to track storage time.
✔ For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed pepper casserole?
Yes! Freezing preserves flavors for future meals:
✔ Cool the casserole completely before storing.
✔ Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent ice crystals.
✔ Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until fully heated through.
Conclusion
Perfecting your Stuffed Pepper Casserole is easy when you:
✔ Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
✔ Avoid overcooking peppers to retain texture.
✔ Layer flavors properly to enhance taste.
✔ Make ahead and store correctly for convenience.
Follow these tips, and your Stuffed Pepper Casserole will become a family favorite—perfect for any occasion! 🍽️🔥
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 34 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Description
Ingredients
- Meat
- 1 Ground beef or turkey
- Produce
- 1 Bell peppers green yellow red
- 1 Garlic
- 1 Onion
- 1 Tomatoes canned
- Pasta & Grains
- 1 Rice Cooked white or brown
- Dairy
- 1 Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing the seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in a greased baking dish; place whole peppers upright and fill with remaining mixture. Top with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover for the last 10 minutes until cheese is golden.