Sizzling Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole that brings all the classic flavors together in one easy dish.

Packed with ground beef, rice, and vibrant bell peppers, this recipe simplifies traditional stuffed peppers into a delightful one-pan meal.

The hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible layer of goodness to every bite.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of seasoned meat, tender rice, and sweet pepper notes.

The casserole comes together quickly, making it a go-to solution when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Grab a fork and savor every delicious scoop of this comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is a Dinner Winner

• Savor Quick Prep: Toss ingredients together without complicated cooking steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results fast.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving: Transforms seamlessly from a side dish to a dessert, providing flexibility for different meal occasions and satisfying various taste preferences.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Combines creamy Cool Whip, tangy pineapple, and sweet mandarin oranges into a nostalgic treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its vibrant flavors.
• Celebrate Simple Chilling: Requires minimal effort with a simple refrigeration technique that allows flavors to blend and texture to set, delivering a refreshing and creamy dessert without extensive preparation.

Everything for an Easy Stuffed Pepper Bake

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Provides the hearty and satisfying protein base for the casserole.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Adds fresh flavor, texture, and aromatic depth to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful liquid base for the casserole.
• Cooked Rice: Serves as a filling and substantial grain component.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste profile with balanced and complementary spices.

• Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty finish to the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh element and visual appeal to the final dish.

Steps for Baking a Pepper Casserole Dish

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Setup

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Break up the meat into small crumbles and cook until it turns a rich brown color.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers into the same skillet.

Let them dance and sizzle until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth
• Cooked rice
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire skillet mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes. If you’re using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes for a Hearty Pepper Casserole Success

• Replace ground beef or turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version or use ground chicken for a leaner protein choice.
• Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or quinoa for added protein and nutrients.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat, or mix in smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack for spiciness, mozzarella for stretch, or feta for a tangy twist.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier and more convenient.

Twists for Stuffed Pepper Casserole Lovers

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Add quinoa instead of rice for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Pepper Bake: Swap rice with cauliflower rice. Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Pepper Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and Greek seasoning. Use lamb instead of beef for an authentic Mediterranean touch.

Pairings to Enjoy With Pepper Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy mixed greens salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Pour a medium-bodied Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the robust flavors of the beef and tomato-based dish.
• Cool Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a refreshing yogurt-based cucumber dip that provides a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, spiced casserole.

Storing Stuffed Pepper Casserole for Later

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even use a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free broth and check that your seasonings are certified gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use the right ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy salsa instead of regular tomato sauce to increase the heat level. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting Mexican-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings zesty flavors and hearty ingredients together in one delightful dish. Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this simple meal delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large bell peppers, chopped

Grains and Seasonings:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, cooked rice, and a blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Gently stir the mixture and allow it to simmer, creating a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to stabilize its structure.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, offering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a low-carb alternative.
• Choose lean ground turkey or chicken to decrease overall fat content while keeping the dish protein-rich and satisfying.
• Add extra bell peppers or zucchini for increased vegetable intake and enhanced nutritional value without changing core recipe structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 273 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg