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Delicious stuffed pepper casserole served in a baking dish

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A delicious and hearty dish that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple casserole, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pieces Bell Peppers, preferably a mix of colors Choose vibrant, firm peppers for the best texture.
  • 1 pound Ground Meat (turkey, beef, or a plant-based option) Lean ground turkey is a healthier option.
  • 1 cup Rice, uncooked (brown or white) Absorbs flavors during baking.
  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce Store-bought or homemade; adding spices can enhance the flavor.
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1-2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded For a gooey texture.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian herbs
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Corn Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 cup Black Beans For extra protein and fiber.
  • 1 cup Chopped Spinach or Kale Boosts your greens in this easy dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Chop off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes, dicing the tops for the casserole.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add the chopped pepper tops, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well.
Combine Rice & Sauce
  1. Add 1 cup of uncooked rice and 2 cups of tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir until combined and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. In a baking dish, layer half of the mixture into the bottom.
  2. Place the hollowed-out peppers upright in the dish.
  3. Spoon the remaining mixture into each pepper.
Finishing Touches
  1. Top the whole dish with shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge or freeze for later use. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.