Quick & Zesty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Colorful bell peppers nestled with savory ground beef create a delightful one-dish meal.

Layers of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned ingredients promise pure satisfaction.

Each forkful delivers a hearty blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Families crave this simple yet impressive dish that comes together effortlessly.

Spices and fresh ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole What’s to Love

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to different taste preferences.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, making this recipe a stress-free option for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, flavorful combination of ingredients, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of the casserole’s flavor and substance.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: These colorful vegetables add sweetness, texture, and nutritional depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic base.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a complex and rich flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking while adding a subtle richness.
• Water: Provides necessary moisture for cooking the rice and blending ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami depth to the overall taste.

• Basmati Rice: A light and fluffy grain that absorbs the flavors of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp topping that adds creamy richness and a golden finish.

• Chopped Tomatoes: Contributes moisture, acidity, and a fresh, bright element to the casserole.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Flavors

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and let it heat up.

• Chopped onion

Cook until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it turns a rich, golden brown.

• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Diced red bell pepper
• Diced yellow bell pepper

Sauté until the peppers become tender and fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Casserole Base

• Water
• Chopped tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Basmati rice

Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat.

Let it simmer quietly until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid disappears.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve up this comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Helpful Tricks

• Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Swap basmati for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a different texture to the casserole.
• Adjust the amount of paprika and cumin to match your family’s heat preference, making the dish mild or more robust.
• Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version that still provides a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Easy Substitutions

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a sprinkle of chili powder for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute basmati rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add more vegetable content.
• Mediterranean Style: Use ground lamb instead of beef, replace basmati with quinoa, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pepper Paradise Plating: Serve this hearty casserole in colorful bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright pop of color and extra flavor.
• Southwestern Sidekick: Pair with warm cornbread, crisp tortilla chips, or a light green salad to balance the rich, cheesy main dish and add some textural variety.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits to enhance the protein-packed casserole and add exciting layers of taste.
• Fresh Finish: Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for those who love an extra kick, allowing each person to customize their meal according to their spice preference.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore cheese’s crispy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and dietary preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure your spices are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has mild spices. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings zesty flavors and hearty comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and tender peppers create a delicious one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can chopped tomatoes

Starches and Cheese:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and Pepper:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for the casserole.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
5. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
6. Pour water, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basmati rice into the skillet, thoroughly combining all ingredients.
7. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covering the skillet until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.
8. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and generously sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Use brown rice instead of basmati for added fiber and a nuttier taste, ensuring you adjust liquid measurements and cooking time accordingly.
• Customize heat levels by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by double-checking seasoning ingredients and using certified gluten-free rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 451 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg