Deconstructed Delight: The Ultimate Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed peppers are a beloved classic, but sometimes the effort of stuffing each individual pepper can feel daunting. Enter the stuffed pepper casserole – all the delicious flavors of the original, deconstructed and baked into a comforting, easy-to-serve dish. This recipe captures the essence of stuffed peppers, offering a simplified preparation method without sacrificing any of the taste. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you create a delicious and visually appealing stuffed pepper casserole that your family and friends will love. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection and preparation to baking tips and serving suggestions. Get ready to experience the familiar flavors of stuffed peppers in a brand new, convenient form!

## Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** Forget the tedious task of stuffing individual peppers. This casserole comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Family-Friendly:** The deconstructed format is often more appealing to children (and adults!) who might pick apart traditional stuffed peppers.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a great base, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add different vegetables, or use a variety of cheeses.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This is a lifesaver for meal prepping or entertaining.
* **Delicious and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, this casserole is a complete and balanced meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need on hand.

* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based alternative). Lean ground beef (90/10) is a good choice to minimize grease.
* **Bell Peppers:** 3 large bell peppers (any color, or a mix for visual appeal), chopped into bite-sized pieces. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green peppers.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of flavor and sweetness.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for a robust flavor.
* **Cooked Rice:** 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice all work well). Cook the rice according to package directions before starting the casserole.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity to the casserole.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce. Tomato sauce provides a rich, tomato flavor base.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic flavor to the casserole.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on preference). Paprika adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination). Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Corn kernels, black beans, mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables can be added to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious stuffed pepper casserole.

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables**

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. The peppers should still have a bit of a bite to them.

**Step 2: Make the Sauce**

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet with the meat and vegetables.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour the rice and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

**Step 4: Bake the Casserole**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

## Tips and Variations

This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking:

* **Meat Alternatives:** Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a healthier option.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, corn, and black beans. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils for extra protein.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, provolone, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Add Beans:** Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Garnish the finished casserole with fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil for a burst of freshness.
* **Creamy Casserole:** Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the rice and meat mixture for a creamier texture.
* **Use Different Rice:** Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Ensure that all of your ingredients are gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
* **Meal Prep:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

## Serving Suggestions

This stuffed pepper casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad with your favorite dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** A side of garlic bread is always a welcome addition.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for extra vegetables.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang.
* **Avocado:** Add diced avocado for a healthy and flavorful topping.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the casserole according to the instructions.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover stuffed pepper casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here’s how to store it:

1. Let the casserole cool completely.
2. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without all the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a hearty and satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a deconstructed delight!

Enjoy your Stuffed Pepper Casserole!