Stuffed pepper casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole form. Packed with ground beef, rice, colorful bell peppers, and topped with melty cheese, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. The casserole is comforting, full of flavor, and much easier to make than stuffing individual peppers.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making stuffed pepper casserole. We’ll cover the key ingredients, offer variations for different dietary preferences, and provide tips for serving and storing this tasty dish. By the end, you’ll have a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Introduction to Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Traditional stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food that can sometimes be time-consuming to make. The stuffed pepper casserole recipe offers all the same flavors but in a more convenient and quick-to-prepare form. By turning the dish into a casserole, you can layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and have a delicious meal ready with less effort.
If you enjoy casseroles that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor, you might also want to try our Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a cheesy dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need to make stuffed pepper casserole:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor to the casserole. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers provide sweetness and a satisfying texture. Use a mix of red, green, yellow, and orange peppers for a vibrant presentation.
- Rice: White or brown rice adds bulk and makes the casserole filling. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce helps bind the ingredients together and provides a tangy, rich base for the casserole.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese adds a deliciously melty topping. Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning bring all the flavors together, giving the dish a savory, comforting taste.
For another dish packed with flavorful ingredients, check out our Tex-Mex Ground Beef Potato Skillet, a one-pan meal that combines bold spices and hearty ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s how to make stuffed pepper casserole from scratch:
1. Cook the Rice
- Prepare the Rice: Cook 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside. If using brown rice, keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to cook than white rice.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 chopped onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in 3-4 chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix in the Rice: Once the tomato sauce is well incorporated, stir in the cooked rice until everything is evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef, pepper, and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the Oven: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For another easy-to-make and satisfying dinner, try our Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe, which pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Variations of Stuffed Pepper Casserole
One of the best things about this stuffed pepper casserole recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:
- Turkey Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to make a lighter version of the dish. Ground chicken works well, too.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add black beans or lentils for protein.
- Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to make this casserole low in carbs. This is a great option if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: If you’re a cheese lover, add extra layers of cheese within the casserole. You can also use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: If you like a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bell pepper mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
For more comforting, customizable recipes, check out our Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe, which offers a tropical twist on a classic baked treat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Follow these tips to ensure your stuffed pepper casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Bell Peppers: Fresh, firm bell peppers provide the best texture and flavor for this dish. Use a variety of colors for a vibrant presentation.
- Cook the Rice Ahead of Time: Make sure to cook the rice ahead of time before adding it to the casserole. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Don’t Overcook the Bell Peppers: While sautéing the peppers, be careful not to overcook them. You want them to retain some texture when baked.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prep. Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for a future meal.
Serving and Storing Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Once your stuffed pepper casserole is ready, here’s how to serve and store it:
- Serve Hot: Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
For more tips on storing homemade dishes, check out our article on How to Keep Pancakes Soft and Fluffy, which offers useful advice on maintaining freshness and texture.
FAQs About Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. - Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Absolutely! Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and adds extra protein and texture to the dish. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and use it in place of the rice. - Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to double-check any store-bought ingredients like tomato sauce to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Stuffed pepper casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that delivers all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers with much less effort. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a dish to bring to a potluck. Whether you enjoy it with ground beef, turkey, or as a vegetarian option, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
For more delicious casserole recipes and easy dinner ideas, explore our collection of comfort food recipes and meal ideas, where you’ll find inspiration for every meal.
For more tasty casseroles, check out our Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole, and if you give it a try and like it, we’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience with us!