Are you in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that's easy to prepare and full of flavor? Look no further! This stuffed pepper casserole recipe brings together all the delicious elements of traditional stuffed peppers but with a simplified, casserole-style approach. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something warm and satisfying. Keep reading to discover the full recipe, cooking tips, and how to make this dish your new family favorite!
What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
A stuffed pepper casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed peppers. Instead of stuffing individual bell peppers with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and other ingredients, everything is cooked together in one dish. This method saves time and ensures you get a bit of everything in every bite. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that's easy to customize and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here's everything you need to make a delicious stuffed pepper casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds flavor and helps sauté the onion and garlic.
- 1 white onion, chopped: Provides a base of flavor with its sweet and savory notes.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The primary protein in the dish, lean beef keeps it hearty but not overly greasy.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and depth to the dish.
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beef and peppers.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced: Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced: Contributes to the sweetness and vibrant appearance of the dish.
- 2 cups water: Helps cook the rice and blend the flavors together.
- 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes: Brings acidity and moisture to the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, savory umami flavor.
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained: A fragrant long-grain rice that cooks up fluffy and light.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top, adding a creamy, cheesy finish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this stuffed pepper casserole recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor or dietary need.
- Rice: If you don’t have basmati rice, you can use jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add more texture.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple steps to make your stuffed pepper casserole:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Season the beef with Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the water, chopped tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the skillet. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a stuffed pepper casserole is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. The key is to layer the flavors and ensure that the rice cooks properly by absorbing all the delicious juices from the beef, peppers, and tomatoes. Here's a more detailed guide to help you master this recipe:
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Measure out your spices and rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, non-sticky rice. - Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heating the olive oil before adding the onion allows the onion to cook evenly and develop its sweet, caramelized flavor. Adding the garlic after the onion ensures it doesn’t burn and become bitter. - Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Breaking up the ground beef as it cooks allows it to brown evenly, giving it a better texture and flavor. Browning the beef also adds a rich, savory depth to the casserole. - Step 4: Season and Cook the Peppers
Adding the spices before the liquid helps to bloom the flavors, making the dish more aromatic and flavorful. Cooking the peppers slightly before baking softens them, ensuring they cook to the right texture in the oven. - Step 5: Simmer and Bake
Simmering the mixture before baking ensures the rice starts cooking and absorbs the flavors from the tomatoes, beef, and spices. Covering the skillet in the oven helps trap steam, cooking the rice evenly. - Step 6: Cheese It Up!
Adding the cheese at the end allows it to melt perfectly, creating a golden, bubbly crust that complements the savory beef and rice mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can have potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making your stuffed pepper casserole:
- Not Rinsing the Rice: Skipping this step can result in overly sticky rice that clumps together. Rinsing removes excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks up light and fluffy.
- Overcooking the Beef: Ground beef can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to cook it just until it’s browned to keep it tender and juicy.
- Undercooking the Rice: If the casserole is taken out of the oven too soon, the rice may be undercooked. Ensure the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender before adding the cheese topping.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Add it after the onions are soft and cook just until fragrant.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your stuffed pepper casserole can elevate it from a simple meal to a feast. Here are some ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil adds a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Offer Some Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from the casserole.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
To serve your stuffed pepper casserole, let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve. Use a large spoon to scoop portions onto plates, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of rice, beef, peppers, and cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Presentation can make a big difference in how a dish is perceived. Consider these ideas:
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking and serving the casserole in a cast iron skillet gives it a rustic, homey appearance.
- Serve in Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Top with a Drizzle of Sour Cream: A small dollop of sour cream on each serving adds a creamy contrast to the spicy, savory flavors.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
To make the best stuffed pepper casserole every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: The melted cheese on top adds a creamy richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the spiciness of the peppers.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and more flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?
A: Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Q: What can I serve with stuffed pepper casserole?
A: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use ground turkey instead of beef, brown rice instead of white rice, and reduce the amount of cheese to lighten up the dish.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or lentils.
Conclusion
This stuffed pepper casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you'll end up with a delicious meal that's sure to satisfy. Don't wait—try this recipe today and enjoy a new twist on classic stuffed peppers!
PrintStuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
A savory stuffed pepper casserole recipe featuring ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender basmati rice, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. This hearty dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese, creating the perfect family-friendly comfort food. Ideal for an easy and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced red and yellow bell peppers, water, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basmati rice. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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