Here’s a complete guide to making a Stuffed Pepper Casserole—all the flavor of stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing out each pepper. 🌶️🧀
1️⃣ What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
- A deconstructed version of stuffed peppers baked in a casserole dish.
- Combines:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce
- Rice or quinoa
- Cheese topping
- Perfect weeknight meal—easy, hearty, and family-friendly.
2️⃣ Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Optional: parsley or fresh herbs for garnish
3️⃣ Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs.
- Serve hot, alone or with a side salad or bread.
4️⃣ Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Use a mix of bell pepper colors for visual appeal and flavor.
- Cook rice ahead for faster assembly.
- Cheese options: try pepper jack for a spicy twist or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate; bake 25–30 minutes before serving.
💡 Key takeaway:
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is simple, comforting, and captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the tedious prep. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
If you want, I can make a “Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole” version so it cooks all day and is ready when you come home.
Do you want me to create that slow cooker version?
