I am so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes with you: The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole! This dish is a glorious mashup of flavors that takes all the good vibes of stuffed peppers and transforms them into a cozy casserole. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I first made this casserole on a chilly fall evening when I was craving something hearty and comforting. It reminded me of my grandma’s cooking, and you know, there’s nothing quite like that. Plus, I love that it can be a great one-dish meal that satisfies my whole family without the fuss of stuffing each pepper. Seriously, if you’re anything like me—eager to fill your belly but not wanting to spend the entire day in the kitchen—you’ll appreciate this gem.
What’s in The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients and see what we have cooking!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Whether you choose beef for that rich flavor or turkey for a leaner option, both work beautifully in this casserole. I often go with turkey to keep things lighter.
Uncooked Rice: The base of the casserole! You can use white or brown rice depending on your texture preference. Brown rice brings a nutty flavor that I absolutely love.
Tomato Sauce: This saucy goodness brings moisture and flavor. I usually opt for a classic brand that’s not too sweet.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned and undrained; these add juicy tomato bits that elevate the overall dish.
Bell Peppers: I like to use a mix of green and red for a colorful touch. They add a sweet crunch, which is simply delightful.
Onion: Chopped onion adds depth to the flavor. I can’t make a casserole without it!
Garlic: Ah, garlic—the king of flavor! Freshly minced garlic gives that extra punch.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds that perfect herbaceous aroma and taste we all crave!
Paprika: I love the subtle smokiness it brings. It enhances the overall flavor of the casserole beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste always brings the best out of any dish!
Shredded Cheese: The crowning glory! I’m a fan of cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar for strong flavor and mozzarella for that gooey melt.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley as a garnish brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
Is The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! Now, before you think this casserole is all indulgence, let’s talk about the health benefits.
Ground Meat: Opting for turkey makes this dish a leaner choice. Plus, it’s packed with protein, which is essential for muscle building and repairing tissues.
Rice: If you choose brown rice, you’re adding fiber to your diet, which promotes healthy digestion.
Vegetables: Those bell peppers and onions are loaded with vitamins and nutrients—specifically vitamin C and antioxidants.
However, I’ll be honest; this casserole leans slightly toward the indulgent side with the cheese. If you’re looking to cut down on calories or fat, you can always go lighter on the cheese or use low-fat cheeses.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (green and red)
– 1/2 cup onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for lunch!
How to Make The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Alright, my friends, let’s get to the good part—cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that warmth going!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off—it doesn’t need that extra chill.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes lovely and translucent—this usually takes a few minutes.
4. Now stir in the bell peppers, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and the Italian seasoning and paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix everything well.
5. Transfer this hearty mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish—you can almost smell the goodness!
6. Cover it with aluminum foil and let it bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. After that, remove the foil, give it a stir, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Yes, cheese makes everything better!
8. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is gooey and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before diving in.
10. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Think of this casserole as your canvas! You can totally swap out ingredients based on what you have or your personal preferences. Want some spice? Toss in some jalapeños! Looking for a vegetarian option? Use lentils and skip the meat; it’ll still be hearty and satisfying.
Serve it with a crisp green salad and some warm bread on the side for a complete meal. And if you have leftovers, it warms up like a dream—perfect for lunch the next day!
I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try! It warms my heart just thinking about sharing a meal like this with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and create some delicious moments in the kitchen. Be sure to let me know how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
