Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe – Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Peppers bursting with flavor create a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheesy, hearty layers promise a delightful dining experience for everyone around the table.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly to make this dish a standout comfort food.

Busy families will appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal prep.

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with savory ingredients make dinner exciting and nutritious.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next cozy meal night.

FAQs About Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! With familiar ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheese, kids typically love this casserole. The mild bell peppers and cheesy topping make it an appealing meal for children.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for beef. For vegetarian options, try using plant-based ground meat or black beans for protein.

• How can I boost the nutritional value?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrients. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber and minerals.

Why Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole Stands Out

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: A hearty, one-pan meal that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast packed with flavor and nutrition.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines familiar ingredients like cheese, rice, and beef in a colorful dish that appeals to children and adults alike, encouraging everyone to enjoy vegetables.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal kitchen steps and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without extensive prep time.

Everything In Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and rich protein base that provides a robust flavor foundation for the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Tomatoes: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the casserole.

• Cooked Rice: A filling and versatile ingredient that helps bind the casserole together and adds substantial body.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty layer with sharp flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds textural contrast.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the meat mixture.
• Seasonings: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Offers a cool, creamy complement to the baked casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish.

Instructions For Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop Colorful Peppers

Cut bell peppers into uniform bite-sized chunks that will spread evenly across the dish.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.

Step 4: Season The Meat

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Seasonings

Mix thoroughly to create a rich, savory meat mixture.

Step 5: Combine Rice And Beef

Stir cooked rice into the seasoned beef, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Step 6: Create First Pepper Layer

Spread half of the pepper chunks across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a vibrant base.

Step 7: Add Beef And Rice Mixture

Evenly distribute the beef and rice over the pepper layer, covering completely.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, creating a melty golden covering.

Step 9: Add Remaining Peppers

Scatter the rest of the bell pepper chunks over the cheese layer for extra color and texture.

Step 10: Crisp The Top

Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to create a golden-brown, crunchy topping.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges bubble.

Step 12: Rest And Settle

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 13: Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, herbal garnish.

Step 14: Optional Creamy Bonus

Add a dollop of sour cream to individual servings for extra richness.

Pro Tips For Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Optimize Pepper Layering: Slice peppers evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent soggy or undercooked sections.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to keep the dish from becoming greasy and maintain a cleaner flavor profile.
• Boost Cheese Melt: Use room temperature cheese for smoother, more even melting across the entire casserole surface.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before sprinkling to add a nutty, rich dimension to the crispy topping.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for more intense taste.

Customize Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and increase vegetable content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and use ground lamb instead of beef for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Enhance Flavor Combinations: Pair this hearty beef and pepper casserole with a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheese and ground beef.
• Refresh the Palate: Serve alongside a light, tangy cucumber salad dressed with dill and lemon to balance the warmth of the casserole and provide a cool contrast.
• Complement Textures: Add a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the savory juices and provide a crunchy element that complements the soft, cheesy casserole layers.
• Elevate the Experience: Top each serving with a dollop of zesty salsa or pico de gallo to introduce a fresh, bright flavor that awakens the taste buds and adds a Mexican-inspired twist.

How To Store Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, preventing moisture and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying.

Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and comforting, stuffed pepper casserole brings hearty Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Extras:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Dice the bell peppers into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking and distribution.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly texture until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet, mixing in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and all seasonings to create a robust, flavorful meat mixture.
5. Incorporate the cooked rice into the seasoned beef, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Layer half of the bell pepper chunks across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a colorful base.
7. Spread the beef and rice mixture uniformly over the pepper layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, creating a melty, golden blanket.
9. Distribute remaining bell pepper chunks over the cheese layer for additional texture and color.
10. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs, providing a crispy, golden-brown topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is completely melted and edges are bubbling.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
14. Optional: Dollop sour cream on individual servings for extra creaminess.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed and diet-friendly.
• Consider using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the casserole.
• Enhance vegetable content by mixing in additional chopped vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase fiber and create more complex flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg