Irresistible Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe to Savor

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by Emma Taylor

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There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling casserole, especially when it’s packed to the brim with vibrant colors and delicious flavors like in a stuffed pepper casserole. Imagine slicing into a cheesy, savory dish, revealing layers of tender peppers, juicy ground meat, and fluffy rice all coated in warm, gooey cheese. Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers Your taste buds will dance as the flavors meld together in a symphony of deliciousness.

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I remember the first time I made this stuffed pepper casserole for my friends’ game night. We were all gathered around, cheering for our team while inhaling the mouthwatering scents wafting from the oven. The moment I pulled it out, everyone stopped mid-cheer to marvel at its cheesy glory. There was nothing left by the end of the night—just happy faces and full bellies! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This stuffed pepper casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
  • The combination of flavors creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love
  • Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any table
  • Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients for endless variations!

I once made this dish for my family reunion, and it was such a hit that I had to fend off my cousin who claimed he could eat it every day!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green for visual appeal and sweetness.
  • Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean meat for a healthier option while keeping it juicy. Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps.
  • Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly; it absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes with herbs for added flavor without extra work.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to each bite.
  • Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped adds depth; sauté until fragrant for best results.
  • Seasonings (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices elevate the flavor profile; don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and bubbles delightfully in no time.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn soft and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes.

Add Ground Meat and Cook Through: Toss in your ground beef or turkey. Ground Beef Zucchini Noodles Stir occasionally until fully cooked and browned; drain excess fat if necessary.

Mix Everything Together: Combine cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), sautéed onion-garlic mixture, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir well to incorporate every ingredient thoroughly.

Layer with Bell Peppers: Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Fill each half generously with your hearty mixture before placing them neatly in a baking dish.

Add Cheese and Bake Away!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each pepper half. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes; then uncover for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

With every step of this process—from preheating your oven to savoring that first cheesy bite—you’ll find joy in creating this comforting dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table!

You Must Know

  • Stuffed pepper casserole is a fantastic one-dish meal that’s beautifully colorful and comforting
  • It combines the vibrant taste of peppers with hearty ingredients, making it a family favorite
  • The aromas that fill your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s for dinner!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning your meat and sautéing vegetables, then layer everything in a baking dish for even cooking. This sequence ensures that flavors meld beautifully while keeping your prep time efficient.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or use quinoa for a vegetarian option. Adding spices like cumin or paprika can elevate the flavor profile to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays delicious and cozy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve the best flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish
  • Don’t skip the cheese topping; it adds richness and melty goodness
  • Ensure not to overcook the rice; it should absorb just enough liquid to remain fluffy and tender

Sharing this casserole with friends was a memorable occasion; they couldn’t stop talking about how delicious it was, which made me feel like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?

Quinoa or cauliflower rice make great low-carb alternatives that still provide texture.

How do I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?

Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It lasts up to three months!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole


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  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in a comforting stuffed pepper casserole, bursting with vibrant bell peppers, savory ground meat, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in gooey cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and customizable to fit your taste, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft (3-5 minutes).
  3. Add ground beef or turkey; cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Fill each half with the meat mixture and place in a baking dish.
  6. Top each filled pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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