Stuffed Pepper Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Any Occasion

The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers into one convenient, oven-baked meal. It combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese into a layered, cheesy casserole that is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. This recipe keeps all the bold flavors intact while being simpler and faster than individually stuffed peppers.

Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is a Must-Try

The casserole version of stuffed peppers is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food but wants to save time. Instead of hollowing out peppers and filling each one, this recipe layers the ingredients in a baking dish for a quick, flavor-packed meal. It’s cheesy, savory, and hearty, with a slight sweetness from the bell peppers and the tangy depth of tomato sauce. The mozzarella topping melts beautifully over the top, creating a golden, bubbly finish that makes the dish irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb ground beef – Use 80/20 beef for juicy, flavorful results.
• 2 cups cooked rice – White, brown, or a rice blend all work.
• 2 bell peppers, diced – Red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color.
• 1 onion, chopped – Adds aromatic depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for robust flavor.
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Forms the saucy base that binds everything together.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts to a gooey, golden topping.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to enhance flavor.
• Salt & pepper to taste – To balance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
2. Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine rice and sauce: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the casserole: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Serve warm: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Use fresh, colorful bell peppers to enhance visual appeal and natural sweetness.
• Cook rice ahead of time to save time; leftover rice works perfectly.
• Season generously to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Mix in extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
• Experiment with cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

Variations to Try

• Italian-style: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth if needed.
• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Low-carb option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter dish.
• Extra cheesy: Mix some cheese into the filling in addition to topping it for gooey layers throughout.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes
• A light soup starter for a complete meal

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or oven reheat until warmed through. Cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying.

Health Highlights

• High in protein: Ground beef provides essential amino acids.
• Rich in vitamins: Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Balanced nutrition: Combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one dish.
• Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian diets.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works perfectly and adds a nuttier flavor with extra fiber.

Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the beef with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Q: Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely! Leftover rice works well and saves prep time.

Q: How do I make the cheese topping extra golden and crispy?
Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden crust.

Conclusion

The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines juicy beef, tender bell peppers, aromatic onions, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It simplifies the traditional stuffed pepper recipe without compromising on flavor or texture. Perfect for families, meal prep, or cozy weeknight dinners, this casserole is versatile, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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