Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a quick and delicious deconstructed version of traditional stuffed peppers. By skipping the tedious step of actually stuffing the peppers, you can enjoy all the same flavors in a fraction of the time. Ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and cheese are combined in one casserole dish and baked to perfection for a satisfying, family-friendly meal. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the full recipe!

this Recipe

What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes all the elements of classic stuffed bell peppers—ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and cheese—and layers them in a casserole dish instead of individually stuffing each pepper. It’s a simpler, quicker, and more convenient way to enjoy the same savory flavors with less work. This casserole is hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 bell peppers, chopped (any color – red, green, or yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground turkey or sausage: Swap the ground beef for turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
• Brown rice or quinoa: For a healthier option, you can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the ground meat and replace it with a combination of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) for a meatless version.
• Add vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to bulk up the casserole and add more nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you like a little heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add rice, tomatoes, and seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice will begin to absorb the liquid but will finish cooking in the oven.
5. Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Add cheese and broil: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and return it to the oven. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.

How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
5. Top with cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving with optional fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes when making this casserole:

1. Not cooking the vegetables long enough: Be sure to sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened before adding the rice and liquid. This ensures they’ll be tender in the finished casserole.
2. Using uncooked rice without enough liquid: The rice will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks, so make sure to use enough broth. If your casserole turns out too dry, it’s likely due to not having enough liquid.
3. Not covering the casserole: Covering the casserole while baking ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid. Remove the foil at the end to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this is a casual, comfort food dish, you can still make it look appealing on the table:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top adds color and a fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with a side salad: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Top with sour cream or salsa: Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on top of each serving for extra flavor.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This hearty casserole is a filling meal on its own, but here are some ideas to serve it:

• Main dish: Serve this casserole as a main course with garlic bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Leftovers: Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making this a great dish for meal prepping. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
• For a potluck: This casserole is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to make, transport, and reheat, making it a convenient option for feeding a crowd.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Make your casserole look even more appetizing with these simple presentation ideas:

• Individual servings: Spoon the casserole into individual bowls or ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
• Extra cheesy topping: Just before serving, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top and let it melt for an extra indulgent finish.
• Garnish with colorful toppings: Add garnishes like diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:

1. Use pre-cooked rice: If you have leftover cooked rice, you can stir it into the ground beef and bell pepper mixture before baking. Just reduce the broth to 1 cup since the rice won’t need to absorb as much liquid.
2. Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
3. Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but it may take longer to cook, so you may need to add extra liquid and extend the baking time.

Q: Can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q: How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or carrots to make the casserole even heartier and more nutritious.

Conclusion

This **Stuff

ed Pepper Casserole** is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing each one individually. With seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or make it ahead for an easy weeknight meal that everyone will love!

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