Cozy Stuffed Peppers Casserole Recipe: A Family-Friendly Delight

Stuffed peppers casserole elevates an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience that redefines comfort food.

This hearty dish combines vibrant bell peppers with rich, savory ingredients in a delightful one-pan wonder.

Traditional cooking methods meet modern culinary creativity, making weeknight dinners both exciting and satisfying.

Layered with robust flavors and nutritious components, the casserole elevates classic stuffed pepper techniques into a more convenient and equally delicious format.

Mediterranean and southwestern influences shine through its carefully balanced ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Every forkful promises a perfect combination of tender vegetables, seasoned proteins, and melted cheese that will tantalize your taste buds.

Home cooks love how this recipe simplifies meal preparation without compromising on flavor or visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Stuffed Peppers Casserole

• Storage
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. These stuffed pepper casserole portions will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain the casserole's delicious flavor.
• Freezing
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label containers with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Reheating
• Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Pairing Stuffed Peppers Casserole with Sides

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty meat and rich tomato flavors of the stuffed peppers casserole with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Balance the casserole's warmth with a crisp salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to add refreshing contrast and brightness.
• Slice Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide an extra layer of texture and complementary flavor to the casserole.
• Cool Down with Greek Yogurt: Top the casserole with a dollop of cool, tangy Greek yogurt to cut through the richness and add a creamy, refreshing element to each bite.

Stuffed Peppers Casserole Variations to Try

• Spicy Southwest Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired Casserole: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Greek-style version.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Pepper Bake: Substitute meat with black beans and quinoa, add corn kernels, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Casserole: Mix in crispy bacon bits, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese to create a rich, indulgent version of the original recipe.

Savor the Comfort of Stuffed Peppers Casserole

• Savor Speedy Comfort: This casserole delivers a quick and satisfying one-dish meal that combines the classic stuffed pepper flavors without the hassle of individually stuffing each pepper.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: The recipe allows easy adaptations with different protein choices like ground beef or turkey, making it perfect for various dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: By sautéing ingredients together and baking in a single dish, this recipe reduces kitchen cleanup while creating a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a home-cooked classic.
• Balanced Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, rice, and robust seasonings, this casserole provides a complete meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers Casserole

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole, with option to choose based on personal preference.

• Onion: Adds deep savory flavor and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that enhances overall taste profile.
• Bell Peppers: Contributes sweet, fresh flavor and vibrant color to the casserole.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and adds rich, meaty depth to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, tangy flavor, and natural acidity to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides smooth texture and concentrated tomato flavor.

• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb mix that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Paprika: Offers mild, sweet pepper warmth and subtle reddish color.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity.

• Rice: Serves as filling, hearty base that absorbs flavors and adds texture.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and retaining moisture during baking.

How to Make Stuffed Peppers Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté The Veggie Mixture

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes until vegetables start to soften and release their amazing flavors.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Base

• Browned meat
• Sautéed vegetables
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold in cooked rice until everything is perfectly mixed.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 7: Final Bake

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes. The casserole should be heated through with a slightly crispy top.

Step 8: Taste And Adjust

Give your casserole a quick taste. Add more seasonings if needed to make it absolutely perfect.

Top Tips for Stuffed Peppers Casserole

• Optimize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to minimize excess grease and create a healthier casserole base.
• Sauté Strategically: Cook vegetables until they're slightly soft but still retain a bit of crunch for added texture and fresh flavor.
• Rice Rescue: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Seasoning Secret: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust spices to ensure a well-balanced, flavorful dish that suits your preferences.
• Crispy Top Technique: Remove the foil in the final baking stage to create a golden, slightly crisp surface that adds delightful textural contrast.

Stuffed Peppers Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Stuffed Peppers Casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with hearty layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese. Spicy, cheesy goodness combines classic ingredients in one easy casserole that satisfies hungry families without complicated prep work.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey

Core Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (185 grams) cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, thoroughly cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely to prevent a greasy texture.
3. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers into the skillet with the cooked meat. Gently sauté the ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Transfer the skillet contents to a spacious mixing bowl, combining with beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Integrate Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Carefully fold in the cooked rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture and creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
6. Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish and evenly spread the prepared mixture across the surface, creating a uniform layer.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier to retain moisture during initial baking.
8. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top to develop a slight crispness and golden-brown appearance.
10. Carefully remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Versatile Meal Solution: This casserole transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Ground beef or turkey provides a hearty protein base that keeps the dish satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
• Quick Prep Technique: Sautéing vegetables and meat together builds deep flavor layers while significantly reducing overall cooking time.
• Flexible Ingredient Options: Easily swap rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or other grains to accommodate dietary preferences or pantry availability.
• Smart Baking Strategy: Covering with foil initially prevents drying out, then uncovering creates a delightful crispy top layer for textural contrast.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, making meal planning a breeze.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg