When I think of comfort food, the aroma of a Stuffed Pepper Casserole wafts through my mind like a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine digging into a scrumptious layer of tender peppers, seasoned meat, and gooey cheese, all mingling together to create an explosion of flavors that practically dance on your taste buds. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it wraps you in a cozy blanket of nostalgia. For more inspiration, check out this Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe.
I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. As soon as the casserole came out of the oven, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. It was one of those moments where I realized that cooking isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thai peanut chicken casserole Perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is bound to become a staple in your home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The blend of spices creates an unforgettable flavor profile that delights everyone at the table
- Its vibrant colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it visually appealing and irresistible
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand!
I once served this dish at a gathering, and it vanished faster than my attempts at dieting after New Year’s Eve!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green for visual appeal and sweetness.
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Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean meat for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. ground turkey and sweet potatoes. sausage and potato soup sweet potato chili recipe.
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Onion: Fresh onions add depth and sweetness; yellow onions work best in this recipe.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor with its aromatic punch.
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Rice: Use long-grain white rice or brown rice for added nutrition and texture.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and zing; go for fire-roasted for extra flavor.
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Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar brings creaminess and binds everything together beautifully.
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Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices add warmth and depth; they’re essential for that satisfying flavor.
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Italian Seasoning: This mix brings an herby freshness that makes every bite delightful.
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Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings are crucial; adjust them according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, chop your bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside those colorful beauties.
Sauté That Flavor: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame.
Add Your Meat: Toss in your ground beef or turkey into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook until browned thoroughly—about 5-7 minutes—and drain any excess fat if necessary.
Create Your Mixture: Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Assemble Your Casserole: In a baking dish, place your halved bell peppers cut-side up. Spoon the meat mixture generously into each pepper half until overflowing—because who likes skimping on goodness?
Bake It Up: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper half, then bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly golden perfection emerges.
Now all you need is a plate—and perhaps some stretchy pants—to enjoy every flavorful bite of your Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
You Must Know
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors!
- The aroma of spices and fresh veggies fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that simplifies cleanup, so you can save time for dessert—always the best part!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the ground meat with onions until browned. Then, add rice and spices before layering in bell peppers and sauce for even cooking.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in quinoa instead of rice or toss in black beans for extra protein. Add your favorite cheese on top for that melty goodness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cooking the rice beforehand prevents it from becoming mushy in the casserole
- Adjust spices to match your taste; if you like heat, add jalapeños!
- Don’t forget to let it cool before storing to maintain its texture
Cooking this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would dig into heaping plates, sharing stories and laughter over every cheesy bite.

FAQ
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day before and refrigerate; just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or lentils work great as tasty alternatives in this casserole.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap out the meat for extra veggies or beans and use vegetable broth instead.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Stuffed Pepper Casserole, where tender bell peppers cradle a savory blend of seasoned meat, rice, and gooey cheese. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic experience that brings families together around the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this easy-to-make casserole will become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef or turkey; cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into pepper halves and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





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