If you're looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish, this Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is perfect for you. Combining the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with the convenience of a one-pot meal, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds without the hassle. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or when you're craving a comforting meal that’s also easy to prepare. Follow along, and let’s make this mouthwatering casserole that your family will love. Keep reading to discover all the steps, tips, and variations for making this flavorful dish!
What Is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is essentially a deconstructed version of traditional stuffed peppers. It combines all the same ingredients you'd expect to find in classic stuffed peppers—bell peppers, ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and cheese—but instead of individually stuffing each pepper, everything is layered and baked together in a casserole dish. The result is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd. Plus, with fewer steps and less prep time, it’s perfect for when you want the taste of stuffed peppers without the extra work.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary needs or taste preferences:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey: You can choose ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option, but ground beef gives the dish a richer flavor.
- 3 bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), diced: A mix of colors will add visual appeal and variety of flavor.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances the flavor with a rich, savory aroma.
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice: White rice cooks faster, but brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy, tangy base to the casserole.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Helps bind the ingredients together with a delicious, savory flavor.
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a smoky, warm flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil, perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): Melty cheese adds a creamy finish to the casserole.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or looking to customize the recipe? No problem! Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meatless Option: Replace the ground meat with plant-based ground beef or add extra beans like black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Different Rice Varieties: You can swap white or brown rice for quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. You can also omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
- Additional Veggies: Add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the casserole mix.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the rice: If you’re using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package instructions. You can also use pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice from a previous meal to save time.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef (or turkey) and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine with rice: Once the tomato-meat mixture has simmered, fold in the cooked rice. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Pour the broth over the top to help keep the dish moist during baking.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the rice: Be careful not to overcook the rice before adding it to the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Slightly undercooking the rice ensures it will be perfectly tender once baked.
- Too much liquid: Using too much liquid can make the casserole soupy. Stick to the recommended amount of broth to avoid this mistake.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your mixture before assembling the casserole to adjust the seasoning as needed. The right amount of salt, pepper, and spices will make a big difference in flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This stuffed pepper casserole is already a complete meal, so serving it is a breeze! Here are some ideas for how to serve and present your delicious casserole:
- Serve with a simple side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the tomatoey goodness.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream: For an extra creamy finish, add a spoonful of sour cream on top before serving.
- Add extra toppings: You can garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Serve your stuffed pepper casserole directly from the baking dish—this is a great one-pot meal that’s designed to be hearty and filling. Spoon generous portions onto plates or into shallow bowls. For family-style meals, simply place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Want to elevate the presentation of your stuffed pepper casserole? Here are a few creative ideas:
- Individual ramekins: Instead of making one large casserole, try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for a more personalized and upscale presentation.
- Bell pepper “bowls”: For a fun twist, hollow out bell peppers and use them as edible serving bowls. Spoon the casserole mixture into each pepper and top with cheese before baking.
- Layered casserole dish: When assembling your casserole, carefully layer the rice, meat mixture, and cheese to create a colorful, eye-catching presentation when serving.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?
A: Absolutely! Just assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and freeze. You can bake it from frozen, just add extra baking time.
Q: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
A: Yes, quinoa works well in this recipe and is a great way to add extra protein and fiber.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: A light side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables would make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
Q: Can I use leftover cooked rice?
A: Definitely! Using leftover rice can help speed up the process and is a great way to reduce waste.
Conclusion
This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect dish for when you crave the flavors of stuffed peppers but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its simple ingredients, customizable options, and easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals ahead for the week, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in every bite!
PrintQuick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This quick and simple stuffed pepper casserole recipe combines all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make casserole. With ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that delivers comfort with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (cooked)
- 3 bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, cook until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, cooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
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