Craving the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but short on time? This stuffed pepper casserole delivers all that deliciousness in a convenient, deconstructed format. We’re simplifying the process by layering ingredients into one dish, making it a perfect cozy and family-friendly meal. Get ready for an easy, satisfying recipe that brings warmth to your table without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This delicious stuffed pepper casserole quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.
- You get all the robust, savory taste of traditional stuffed peppers without the individual prepping.
- It requires minimal hands-on effort and simple ingredients, perfect for busy evenings.
- This easy pepper dish is excellent for feeding a crowd or for convenient meal prepping throughout the week.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, tasting even better the next day.
- Customize it easily with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit any preference.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, hearty and satisfying in any season.
Ingredients
Making this incredible stuffed pepper casserole starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. You will need:
Bell peppers, a key ingredient, are not only flavorful but also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, as detailed by Healthline on the nutritional benefits of bell peppers.
For the Casserole:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 2 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. long-grain white rice
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 c. shredded pepper jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
Notes & Substitutions:
Feel free to use any color bell peppers you prefer; red, yellow, and orange offer a sweeter flavor. Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives to beef. Long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture and consistent cooking time. For cheese, consider swapping pepper jack for sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend. Fresh vine-ripened tomatoes provide the best flavor, but a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained, also works. You can use fresh parsley or cilantro depending on your preference.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you begin makes cooking smooth and enjoyable.
- Large oven-safe skillet (for cooking the filling)
- 3-quart baking dish (for assembling and baking the casserole)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Box grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Instructions
Creating this flavorful stuffed pepper casserole is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. You’ll love how easily it comes together.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with a little olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics and Meat
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, typically 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet for a less greasy casserole.
Now, stir in the tomato paste, kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Add the finely chopped garlic cloves and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute. Finally, add the chopped vine-ripened tomatoes and sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften slightly, another 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Casserole Mixture
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chicken broth, uncooked long-grain white rice, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to combine. Now, add 1 cup of the shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture and stir it in. This adds flavor throughout the casserole. Spoon the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 3-quart baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Bake Until Rice is Tender
Place the covered baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once baked, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Broil for Golden Finish
Increase the oven temperature to the broil setting. Return the casserole to the oven, keeping a close eye on it. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn. Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for extra freshness and color.
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Achieve the most delicious results with these helpful tips for your stuffed pepper casserole.
- Drain Excess Beef Fat: After browning the ground beef, always drain any rendered fat. This prevents your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Season Layers for Flavor: Don’t skip seasoning the meat and vegetables. Building flavor at each step enhances the final taste of your casserole.
- Don’t Pre-Cook the Rice: The long-grain white rice cooks directly in the casserole with the broth. Pre-cooking it will result in mushy rice.
- Ensure Casserole is Tightly Covered: Covering the dish tightly with foil creates steam, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly and thoroughly.
- Broil Carefully to Prevent Burning: Broiling can quickly turn cheese from golden to burnt. Watch it constantly during this final step.
- Allow Resting Time for Flavors: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after broiling. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile stuffed pepper casserole is fantastic on its own, but here’s how to elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To ensure food safety and quality, the USDA provides detailed guidelines for safe handling and storage of leftovers. To freeze, transfer the baked and cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish or individual portions, covering tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or a larger portion covered in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Variations
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian: Make this a meat-free meal by replacing the meat with cooked brown or green lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a classic Italian mozzarella.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick of heat.
- Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as corn, peas, spinach, or diced carrots for added nutrition and texture.
Nutrition Information
Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
This comforting stuffed pepper casserole provides a good source of protein and fiber. It offers a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables. Individual serving sizes can impact the total nutritional intake, so adjust accordingly.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Carbs | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to pre-cook the rice for this casserole?
No, you do not need to pre-cook the rice. Uncooked long-grain white rice cooks directly in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing all the delicious broth and flavors.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While you technically can, it is not recommended for this recipe without adjustments. Brown rice has a longer cooking time and requires more liquid, which would alter the casserole’s texture and cooking process significantly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian stuffed pepper casserole, simply substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of cooked brown or green lentils, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and plant-based crumbles.
How long does stuffed pepper casserole last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, your cooked stuffed pepper casserole will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools completely before storing.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once baked and completely cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or individual portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated from frozen or thawed.
Conclusion
This hearty stuffed pepper casserole truly simplifies a beloved classic, offering all the rich flavors without the fuss. It’s the perfect weeknight solution for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, promising a satisfying meal every time. Dive into this comforting bell pepper bake and discover your new go-to recipe. We encourage you to try this incredibly easy and delicious dish in your kitchen soon. Share your wonderful creations with us!