Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Flavorful, One-Pot Comfort Meal

When you’re craving a comfort food that is both delicious and satisfying, there are few dishes as fulfilling as a Stuffed Pepper Casserole. A twist on the classic stuffed bell peppers, this casserole offers the same rich, hearty flavors but with much less effort. Instead of carefully stuffing each pepper, all of the ingredients are mixed together in one pot, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner. The beauty of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef, you can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences, all while maintaining the incredible depth of flavor.

If you’re looking for a nutritious dinner option that will fill you up without weighing you down, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole should be at the top of your list. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and plenty of veggies, this meal is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a well-balanced dish.

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The Ingredients You’ll Need for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Before we jump into the step-by-step process of making your Stuffed Pepper Casserole, let’s talk about the ingredients. This casserole is easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey, chicken, or lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese (or Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or more cheddar)
• Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley, Greek yogurt for serving

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Step-by-Step Directions to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start putting together this hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole. This recipe is straightforward, and the best part is that everything cooks in one pot—making cleanup a breeze.

1. Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of ground meat—ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef—and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. This will take about 7 minutes. During this time, you’ll also want to add the diced onion. The onions should soften and become translucent, adding sweetness to balance out the richness of the meat.

2. Season the Meat

Once the meat and onions are cooked through, it’s time to add some seasoning. Stir in Italian seasoning, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and infuse the meat with flavor.

3. Add Spinach and Vegetables

Mix in the thawed spinach, breaking it up as you go. The spinach will add a pop of color and extra nutrients. After the spinach is evenly mixed in, add the diced red and green bell peppers. These vegetables will provide a satisfying crunch and freshness to the dish.

4. Add Liquids and Rice

Next, it’s time to add the liquids to create a rich, hearty base for the casserole. Stir in the water, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), no-salt-added tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The tomatoes will lend a tangy and smoky depth of flavor. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.

Once the mixture begins to boil, stir in the uncooked brown rice, making sure it is evenly distributed. This rice will absorb the liquids and become perfectly tender as it cooks. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the casserole to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the rice cooks evenly.

5. Finish Cooking

After 30 minutes, give the casserole a good stir and check the rice. If it’s not quite tender yet, cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole to ensure the rice doesn’t dry out. If necessary, add a bit more water.

6. Add Cheese and Let It Sit

Once the rice is tender, remove the casserole from the heat. Uncover it and stir well. Sprinkle the cheddar and pepper jack cheese over the top of the casserole, then cover again and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to melt into the casserole, making it even more indulgent.

7. Optional Step: Broil for a Golden Top

If you want a golden, crispy cheese topping, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the casserole into bowls, and if you like, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. For a creamy touch, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. This adds a cool and tangy contrast to the rich casserole.

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Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an absolute winner for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare, using everyday ingredients. You don’t need to worry about labor-intensive steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal in less than an hour.

Not only is this casserole a convenient, one-pot dish, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The ground meat provides a solid protein base, while the spinach and bell peppers add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The brown rice is a whole grain that adds heartiness to the meal, and the cheese melts on top, creating a savory, comforting finish.

Additionally, this casserole is highly customizable. If you’re not a fan of one of the ingredients, swap it out. Prefer ground chicken over turkey? No problem. Want to use zucchini instead of spinach? Go ahead. You can easily make this dish fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

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Health Benefits of Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredients

While this dish is absolutely delicious, it’s also a healthy choice. Here are some of the health benefits of the main ingredients:

Ground Meat

Whether you choose turkey, chicken, or lean beef, ground meat is an excellent source of protein and iron, both essential for muscle repair and immune function.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which is vital for skin health and immune support. They also contain antioxidants that help protect your body from damage.

Spinach

Spinach is full of fiber, vitamins A and K, and folate. It’s a great way to add more greens to your diet and helps improve digestive health.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain, rich in fiber and B vitamins. It’s also lower on the glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a better choice for blood sugar regulation.

Cheese

While cheese is indulgent, it provides calcium and protein. Just be sure to use it in moderation, and it can contribute to a balanced diet.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but brown rice is the healthier option because it’s higher in fiber. If using white rice, reduce the simmering time slightly as white rice cooks faster.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meat with plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or veggie crumbles, and the dish will still be hearty and delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftover casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion: A Hearty and Delicious Meal for Any Night of the Week

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect combination of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its combination of ground meat, spinach, bell peppers, and cheese, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

And the best part? It’s a one-pot dish that comes together in just 55 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something hearty but quick to prepare. With so many healthy ingredients packed into one dish, you can feel good about serving it to your family. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s the perfect weeknight meal!

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