Hearty Stuffed Pepper Delight Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that packs flavor and comfort into every bite.

This stuffed pepper delight casserole recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on a classic dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese blend seamlessly in a one-pan wonder that simplifies cooking.

The casserole brings together rich, savory ingredients with minimal prep time and maximum satisfaction.

Tender rice, seasoned meat, and melted cheese create a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through traditional flavors with a modern, easy-to-make approach.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to savor this comforting, irresistible meal that turns dinner into a celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Ingredient

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier dish, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness without excess grease.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Select fresh, crisp vegetables with vibrant colors to enhance the casserole's visual appeal and nutritional value.

• Marinara Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Broth: Opt for low-sodium options to control salt intake while maintaining rich, robust taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground spices for a more intense and aromatic flavor profile.

• Uncooked Rice: Pick long-grain white rice for optimal texture and absorption of surrounding flavors.

• Shredded Cheese: Select a blend that melts smoothly, creating a golden, irresistible crust with maximum cheesy goodness.

Kitchen Tools for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing vegetables.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients like rice and broth.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for shredding cheese if not using pre-shredded.

How to Assemble Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Oven Warmup Kickstart your culinary adventure by getting the oven cozy at 350°F. This warm environment sets the stage for deliciousness.
• Meat Foundation Create a savory base by browning ground protein in a large skillet. Let the meat sizzle and develop deep, rich flavors while releasing its natural juices.
• Veggie Symphony Introduce a colorful medley of chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers into the skillet. Let these ingredients dance together, softening and blending their personalities.
• Flavor Fusion Combine your protein and veggie mixture with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Stir gently, allowing each ingredient to whisper its unique story.
• Baking Transformation Transfer the vibrant mixture into a baking dish, covering it with foil. Let it transform in the oven, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Cheesy Crown Finish your masterpiece by unveiling the casserole and crowning it with a blanket of melted cheese. Watch as it turns golden and inviting, signaling a meal ready to be devoured.

Ways to Enhance Flavor in Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to inject extra heat and create a zesty flavor profile for adventurous palates.
• Replace meat with black beans, quinoa, or lentils to transform this into a delicious meatless meal packed with plant-based protein.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a smoky cheddar to elevate the casserole's richness and complexity.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Warm

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Complement the rich, hearty casserole with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's warmth and add a refreshing crunch.
• Create a Tex-Mex Twist: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a few sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor kick that elevates the casserole.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural contrast to the casserole.
• Enhance with Wine: Match this comforting meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel, which beautifully complements the tomato-based sauce and savory meat.

Smart Storage for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, which saves time on busy weeknights.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Keep Fresh and Safe: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth.

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper delight casserole brings zesty flavors to dinner tables with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks can easily prepare this hearty dish that combines classic ingredients into one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef or turkey
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to create a perfect cooking environment.
2. Meat and Vegetable Fusion: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables become soft and aromatic, creating a flavor-packed base.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Blend: Integrate uncooked rice, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich, cohesive mixture.
4. Baking and Moisture Sealing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes until rice becomes tender and flavors meld together completely.
5. Cheese Crowning and Finishing: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and intensify their flavors before serving this delightful one-dish meal.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and enhance the dish’s overall healthiness.
• Rice Cooking Tip: Ensure rice is fully cooked and tender by monitoring moisture levels during the simmering process, preventing dry or undercooked grains.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting quality and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient make-ahead meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg