Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Pepper lovers find pure comfort in this delightful stuffed pepper casserole that combines classic flavors with modern convenience.

Hearty ingredients mingle together in a single baking dish, creating a meal that satisfies deeply.

Tender bell peppers nestle among seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, promising rich textures in every bite.

Melted cheese blankets the top, forming a golden crust that beckons you to dig in.

Simple to assemble and even easier to devour, this dish works magic for busy weeknight dinners.

Robust seasonings add depth and character, making each spoonful a celebration of home cooking.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this crowd-pleasing casserole that turns traditional stuffed peppers into a stress-free feast.

FAQs About Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The recipe is flexible and works well with various protein choices.

• Is this casserole spicy?

The current recipe is mild. If you want heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese, and whole grain rice. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more bell peppers or incorporating zucchini or spinach into the mixture.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Casserole A Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan recipe combines proteins, vegetables, and rice into a hearty dish that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces cooking steps.
• Pack Protein Power: Combines ground beef and chicken to deliver a nutritious meal loaded with lean proteins and essential nutrients for family dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping vegetables, trying different cheese types, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a satisfying, warm casserole that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy topping and familiar flavor profile.

What Goes Into Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness to the casserole.
• Shredded Chicken: Adds extra protein and a tender texture to the dish.

• Onions: Provide a sweet and aromatic foundation for the casserole.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Bell Peppers: Contribute a fresh and colorful element to the mixture.
• Corn Kernels: Bring a sweet and juicy component to the casserole.

• Rice: Serves as a filling and binding ingredient for the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth and tangy base for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Provide essential seasoning and enhance the taste of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers a creamy and melty topping that adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Introduces a tangy and creamy element to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy and golden finish on top of the casserole.

How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole At Home

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles, ensuring it’s completely cooked through and no pink remains.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and release their aromatic sweetness.

Step 3: Boost Vegetable Goodness

• Chopped bell peppers
• Corn kernels

Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and blend with the meat.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth

Stir thoroughly to marry all ingredients into a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Season and Spice

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture to the dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a luscious melty layer.

Step 8: Create Creamy Finish

Dollop sour cream across the cheese. Dust the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and makes cutting much easier. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious Southwest-inspired feast!

Helpful Cooking Tips For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste and eliminate any raw meat undertones.
• Veggie Prep Trick: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent to release their natural sweetness and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Spread shredded cheddar evenly for consistent melting and ensure a golden, bubbling top layer that looks irresistible.
• Rest and Settle Technique: Allow casserole to sit 5-10 minutes after baking so ingredients bind together and cutting becomes smoother and cleaner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Flavor Swaps For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and chicken with plant-based protein crumbles or cubed tofu, maintaining the same seasonings and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a more intense, zesty flavor profile with extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's rich texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, verify all ingredient labels for potential gluten contamination, and select certified gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Tasty Pairings With Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Refreshing Citrus Salad Sidekick
• Craft a zesty mixed green salad with orange segments, sliced red onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness. Citrus brightness will complement the hearty, cheesy dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing: Bold Red Companion
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to match the robust flavors of the beef and chicken casserole. These wines offer enough structure to stand up to the dish's complex taste profile without overwhelming the palate.
• Cool and Creamy Beverage Boost
• Serve a cold, tangy cucumber-mint agua fresca or a light beer to balance the casserole's warm, cheesy textures.

How To Store Stuffed Pepper Casserole The Easy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture to the dish.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty stuffed pepper casserole, blending classic Mexican flavors with easy home-style cooking. Spicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded chicken

Vegetables:

• 4 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn kernels

Dairy and Pantry:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until completely cooked through, breaking it into small crumbles.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate chopped bell peppers and corn kernels into the meat mixture, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring even distribution of spices.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a generous melty layer.
9. Dollop sour cream across the top of the cheese, then dust with breadcrumbs for a crispy golden finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the top is golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Enhance flavor depth by using roasted bell peppers instead of raw, which adds a smoky, caramelized taste to the casserole.
• Control spice levels by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick, or keeping it mild for sensitive palates.
• Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting rice with cauliflower rice, making the dish more low-carb and keto-friendly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 497
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 704 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg