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Stuffed pepper casserole

4.8/5
20 reviews
Stuffed pepper casserole
Stuffed pepper casserole
55min Total Time
8 people Servings
Easy Difficulty
Budget Cost
420 kcal Calories

All the stuffed pepper flavors without the vegetable architecture requirements

Video

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Ingredients

8
  • 4 large bell peppers, any color, seeded and chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, browned and drained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 375F.

2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4

Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5

Stir in the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

6

Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

7

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

8

Place the bell peppers in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

9

Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture and top with shredded cheese.

10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

11

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Kitchen Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Chef's Tips

Use any color bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors.
If using ground turkey, make sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
You can also add other ingredients to the meat and rice mixture, such as chopped mushrooms or diced ham.
To make this recipe more substantial, serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Troubleshooting

If the bell peppers are not tender after 25 minutes, cover the dish with foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
If the cheese is not melted and bubbly, increase the oven temperature to 400F and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
If the dish is too dry, add a splash of water or broth to the meat and rice mixture.

Recipe Variations

Add some heat to the dish by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.
Add some smokiness to the dish by using smoked paprika or chipotle peppers.
Use ground pork or ground lamb instead of ground beef or turkey.

Healthy Alternatives

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content of the dish.
Add more vegetables, such as chopped carrots or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for a fiber boost.
Reduce the amount of cheese used or use a lower-fat cheese option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Offer a green salad or roasted vegetables as a side dish.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
Add some heat to the dish by serving with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts

420
Calories
30g
Protein
25g
Carbs
20g
Fat
5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
400mg
Sodium
60mg
Cholesterol

Dietary Info

Gluten-free
Low-carb
High-protein

Garnish Ideas

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

Leftover Ideas

Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Use as a filling for tacos or stuffed baked potatoes.
Add to a salad or wrap for a quick and easy lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the ground beef or turkey until it is fully browned.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper.
Overfilling the bell peppers, which can cause them to burst during baking.
Not covering the dish with foil during the initial baking time, which can cause the cheese to burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meat and rice mixture?

A: Yes, you can add other ingredients, such as chopped mushrooms or diced ham.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake.

Reviews

Emily G.
Feb 24, 2026
This recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are amazing and it's so easy to make.
David K.
Mar 20, 2026
This recipe is a great twist on traditional stuffed peppers. I love the addition of rice and cheese.
Sarah K.
Mar 18, 2026
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, easy, and delicious!
John D.
Feb 26, 2026
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and ground beef. I love the flavors and textures.
Rachel T.
Mar 12, 2026
This recipe is a new favorite! The bell peppers are tender and the filling is flavorful and creamy.
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