Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for the entire family? Look no further than this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It's a deconstructed version of the traditional stuffed bell peppers, but with all the flavors you know and love. This casserole is loaded with savory ground beef, rice, tender bell peppers, and melty cheese, all baked together for a hearty, filling meal. Stay with us as we guide you through the recipe step by step and show you how to customize it with various ingredients, substitutions, and creative presentation ideas. Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

What is Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole?

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the traditional stuffed bell peppers, but it's much easier to make! Instead of stuffing individual peppers, the ingredients—ground meat, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese—are all mixed together and baked as a comforting casserole. It's a great option for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd because you can prepare it in advance and bake it when you're ready.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 3 large bell peppers (any color, diced)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Additional Ingredients List for Extra Flavor

For a deeper, richer flavor, you can add the following ingredients:

• ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for added moisture)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a savory umami flavor)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
• 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional, for added vegetables)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (adds earthy tones)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust it according to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Protein options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Rice: You can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you're looking for a low-carb option.
• Bell peppers: Use a variety of bell pepper colors—green, red, yellow, or orange—to add a rainbow of flavor and vibrancy.
• Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classics, but you can also try pepper jack, gouda, or even feta for a more gourmet twist.
• Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based meat crumbles, vegan cheese, and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rice: If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package instructions. Set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
4. Brown the ground beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add ground beef (or your chosen protein). Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Combine seasonings and tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Mix in the rice: Stir the cooked rice into the skillet until well combined with the meat and vegetable mixture.
7. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
8. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Cook Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a simpler way to enjoy stuffed peppers, this casserole version will be your go-to recipe. With the step-by-step instructions above, the process is straightforward and easy to follow. The key steps to remember include cooking your base ingredients (rice, ground meat, and bell peppers), assembling them in a casserole dish, topping it with cheese, and then baking until everything is golden and bubbling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not cooking the rice ahead of time: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. Using raw rice will leave it undercooked and chewy.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté the bell peppers just until tender. Overcooking them can make them mushy in the final dish.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices! They bring out the robust flavors in the dish. Season the meat and vegetables well for the best taste.
• Not draining the meat: If using ground beef or a higher-fat meat, make sure to drain the excess fat after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Using too much cheese: While cheesy casseroles are delicious, adding too much cheese can overwhelm the other flavors. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a visually vibrant dish that’s bursting with color. Here are some tips for serving and presenting it beautifully:

1. Serve with a side salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the hearty casserole and balances out the richness.
2. Add a bread basket: Serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic toast to scoop up all the tasty casserole juices.
3. Individual servings: To elevate the presentation, you can serve the casserole in individual ramekins for each guest, making it a personalized dish.
4. Garnish generously: Add a final garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the combination of protein, vegetables, and rice. However, you can complement it with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal:

• With a side of vegetables: Serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a green bean almondine for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Over pasta: For a heartier twist, you can even serve a scoop of the casserole over a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes.
• With tortillas: If you’re feeling creative, try serving this casserole with soft tortillas for a fun, deconstructed stuffed bell pepper taco experience.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

When it comes to presentation, casseroles can sometimes look plain. Here are a few ideas to spruce up your stuffed bell pepper casserole visually:

1. Layered look: When assembling the casserole, you can add a layer of cheese in the middle, as well as on top, for a more visually appealing dish when cut into.
2. Add color: Use a variety of bell peppers—green, red, yellow, and orange—to create a colorful casserole that stands out.
3. Top with extra vegetables: Before baking, consider topping the casserole with thinly sliced bell peppers or tomatoes for a decorative touch.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake.
• Spice it up: For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes! Ensure that the ingredients you’re using (like the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free, and you'll have a naturally gluten-free casserole.

2. Can I use uncooked rice in the casserole? No, it’s best to use cooked rice. Uncooked rice would need additional liquid and baking time to fully cook, which could alter the texture of the other ingredients.

3. How do I store leftovers? Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.

4. Can I use a different grain instead of rice? Absolutely! You can substitute rice with quinoa, farro, or even couscous for a different texture.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a simplified, casserole form. Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to please. Plus, with so many options for customization, you can tailor it to suit any taste preference or dietary need. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying!

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