Hearty Stuffed Peppers Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in One Pan

Bell peppers bursting with savory flavors make this stuffed peppers casserole recipe a delightful comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hearty ground beef mingles with fluffy rice and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients.

Packed with nutrition and rich, robust flavors, this casserole turns a classic dish into an irresistible one-pan wonder.

Simple to assemble and even easier to devour, you’ll love how quickly this meal comes together.

The golden-brown topping and bubbling cheese promise a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to make a meal that will become a household favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides hearty, lean protein base that absorbs delicious seasonings and creates rich flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meat's moisture and adds deep, savory undertones to enhance overall dish complexity.

• Onion: Delivers sweet, caramelized foundation with subtle sharpness that builds aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent flavor that elevates entire dish's taste complexity.
• Bell Peppers: Brings vibrant color, fresh crunch, and natural sweetness to the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes bright, tangy liquid that helps create smooth, cohesive texture.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides rich, concentrated tomato essence and helps bind ingredients together.
• Cooked Rice: Acts as substantial filling that absorbs surrounding flavors and creates satisfying consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces complex herbal notes with Mediterranean-inspired blend.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and aromatic warmth to complete seasoning profile.

Tools That Help with Pepper Casserole Assembly

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Ideal size for creating a delicious casserole with great depth and coverage.
• Aluminum foil: Helps keep moisture locked in during initial baking stage.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for dicing onions, garlic, and bell peppers with ease.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Tonight

• Meat Preparation

Brown ground protein in skillet, removing extra fat for a cleaner dish.

• Vegetable Blend

Sauté colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, and garlic until tender and fragrant.

• Flavor Profile

Mix sautéed ingredients with zesty tomato components, rich broth, and warm spices for depth of character.

• Grain Integration

Fold cooked rice into mixture, creating a harmonious texture and balanced consistency.

• Baking Magic

Transfer casserole to baking vessel, covering initially to lock in moisture, then uncovering to develop golden crispy top layer.

• Final Touch

Ensure complete heating and season carefully, allowing flavors to meld and intensify during baking process.

Topping Tips for Pepper Casserole

• Replace ground beef with ground chicken, lamb, or plant-based crumbles for diverse flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, taco mix, or Mediterranean herbs to transform the dish's taste experience.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese on top during the final 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden-brown crust.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more complex textures.
• Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice to create a gluten-free version of this hearty casserole.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the casserole just before serving to add a vibrant, fresh flavor and beautiful green color.
• Create a Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden-brown crust that adds richness.
• Pair with Cool Side Dishes: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or refreshing cucumber salad to balance the warm, hearty casserole and provide a light contrast.
• Add Zesty Condiments: Offer sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or Greek yogurt on the side, allowing guests to customize their plate with extra flavor and personal touch.

Best Way to Store Pepper Casseroles

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sealed container prevents moisture loss and protects the dish's delicious flavors.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion the casserole into individual servings or keep it whole, then place in freezer-safe containers. Properly sealed meals can stay frozen for 2-3 months, providing quick and convenient dinner options during busy weeks.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and restore the original taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and divide into meal-prep containers. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days, making lunch and dinner planning a breeze for busy individuals seeking delicious, home-cooked meals.

Hearty Stuffed Peppers Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-style stuffed peppers casserole delivers a hearty blend of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one comforting dish. Home cooks can quickly prepare this crowd-pleasing meal that brings zesty Southwest flavors to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (185 g) cooked white rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for consistent, even cooking of the casserole.
2. Meat Preparation: Brown ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat completely to prevent a greasy texture. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
3. Flavor Fusion: Transfer skillet contents to a mixing bowl, incorporating beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a robust and complex flavor profile.
4. Rice Integration: Gently fold cooked rice into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution and harmonious blend of ingredients.
5. Baking Preparation: Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, spreading the prepared mixture evenly across the surface. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture during initial baking.
6. Cooking Process: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to develop a slight crispness and golden-brown appearance.
7. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole without compromising flavor.
• Rice Rescue: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Seasoning Secret: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust spices to ensure a robust, well-balanced flavor profile that suits your palate.
• Foil Technique: Keep the foil cover loose to trap moisture while allowing slight air circulation, preventing the casserole from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg