Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy-to-prepare casserole.

This hearty and filling recipe combines ground beef or turkey, tender rice, flavorful herbs and spices, and a medley of colorful bell peppers, all baked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• Flavorful And Comforting. The traditional flavors of Stuffed Pepper Casserole are delicious and reassuring. This casserole has all the comfort food makings: ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and fluffy rice.
• Easy To Make. This casserole requires little time in the kitchen and is perfect for those hectic weeknights. A quick and easy meal can be prepared with few ingredients and little effort.
• Versatile And Satisfying. You can make Stuffed Pepper Casserole with whatever fillings and vegetables you like. This casserole will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds whether you like it hot or mild, vegetarian or meat-filled. It’s also perfect for packing in a lunch the next day.

Ingredients For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef Or Turkey. The recipe’s protein foundation guarantees fullness and satisfaction.
• Rice. The cooked rice absorbs all the other flavors in the casserole and gives it more substance and texture.
• Bell Peppers. The dish’s hero vegetable; gives the casserole its vibrant green hue, crisp texture, and subtle sweetness.
• Onion. Provides a savory contrast to the sweet bell peppers, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness.
• Garlic. Adds a subtle but noticeable kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Tomato Sauce. The foundation of the sauce imparts a deep, savory flavor to the whole.
• Worcestershire Sauce. Adds depth and complexity with its tangy and savory taste.
• Beef Broth. Helps keep the casserole moist and boosts its savory flavor.
• Italian Seasoning. Spice up your dish with this aromatic herb mixture.
• Salt And Pepper. To taste, complement the other flavors, and create harmony in the dish.

Can Stuffed Pepper Casserole Be Made Ahead Of Time?

It is possible to prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole in advance. You can make the casserole up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe to a T, then covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Take it out of the fridge, wrap it in foil, and heat it in the oven right before serving.

How Do You Know When Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is Done?

Stuffed Pepper Casserole readiness can be determined by inserting a thermometer into its center. It needs to be at least 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit). Making a small cut in the center of the casserole with a knife is another way to test. The casserole is ready when the rice is tender and the filling is hot.

Can I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole In The Instant Pot?

You can use an Instant Pot to cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Ground beef or turkey can be browned in the Instant Pot by using the sauté function. The next step is to combine the rice with broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and cook the food for 10 minutes at high pressure. When the timer goes off, the pressure should be released quickly. Mix in the cheese and transfer to a baking dish. Put it in the oven and heat it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can You Use Quinoa Instead Of Rice In Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Stuffed pepper casserole can be made with quinoa instead of rice. Prepare the quinoa as directed on the package, then substitute it for the rice. Quinoa is a healthy alternative to rice because it contains no gluten and is packed with protein.

How To Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and thoroughly cooked.
• In a skillet, cook the chopped onions and garlic until the onions are translucent.
• Stir together the diced bell peppers, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning in a skillet.
• Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers have softened slightly.
• Mix in the cooked rice thoroughly.
• The mixture should be poured into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for thirty minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes more, or until the top is lightly browned.
• Before serving, permit the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Suggestions For Serving Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans. Garlic-roasted green beans add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the savory Stuffed Pepper Casserole. The dish is taken to new heights by the hint of garlic’s pungent flavor.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes. When paired with the hearty, chunky Stuffed Pepper Casserole, the smooth and creamy mashed potatoes are the ideal complement. Every bite is a harmony of flavors thanks to the harmonious union of the tomato sauce and the buttery potatoes.
• Grilled Corn On The Cob. Stuffed pepper casserole gets an extra dose of sweetness from charred, smoky grilled corn on the cob. The corn’s crunchiness balances the casserole’s creaminess, making for a satisfying meal.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread. This traditional side dish complements Stuffed Pepper Casserole’s robust flavors with its own cheesy, garlicky flavor. The rice and beef filling is nicely balanced by the crisp bread and melty cheese.
• Mediterranean Salad. The hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole is given a burst of brightness from the tangy and refreshing flavors of a Mediterranean salad. The warm and comforting casserole is offset by the cool and crisp feta cheese, olive, and cucumber mixture.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole. In this version, ground beef is swapped out for a meatless option like crumbled tofu or quinoa. It’s a great option for those who want to cut back on meat.
• Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Jalapenos or red pepper flakes can be added to the dish for those who prefer a spicier flavor. The bold and flavorful punch of the casserole will come from the added spice.
• Italian Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Oregano, basil, and thyme are just some of the Italian herbs added to the traditional recipe for a new spin. Substitute diced tomatoes for the sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top of the casserole.
• Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies give this casserole a Mexican twist. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and serve with tortilla chips and salsa on the side.
• Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet will appreciate this variant. Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice and hold the tomato sauce.

The Best Way To Store Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• In The Fridge. Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to a week if it is tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It has a three-day shelf life.
• In The Freezer. Cool the Stuffed Pepper Casserole to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil so it can be stored in the freezer. Freeze the bag for up to three months.
• Reheat. The stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is best reheated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Take the dish out of its plastic wrap and replace the foil with a new one. Heat in the oven for 20 minutes to an hour.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
• Ina Garten Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 270
• Total Fat 12g
• Saturated Fat 4.5g
• Trans Fat g
• Cholesterol 30mg
• Sodium 849mg
• Total Carbohydrate 31g
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 4g
• Protein 10g
• Calcium 5%
• Iron 8%