Zesty Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

Comfort meets heat in this mouthwatering spicy stuffed pepper casserole that brings robust flavors dancing across your plate.

Classic bell peppers merge with zesty seasonings for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ground beef provides rich, hearty depth while melted cheese creates creamy indulgence.

Fresh ingredients combine seamlessly, delivering a one-pan meal packed with southwestern-inspired charm.

Peppers burst with savory fillings that promise serious satisfaction.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of spice and warmth.

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides hearty protein base with rich, satisfying flavor
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation to the dish
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent undertone that enhances overall taste
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil: Creates balanced seasoning profile with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes

• Rice: Serves as substantial, fluffy base that absorbs delicious meat flavors
• Tomato Sauce: Brings tangy moisture and rich binding element to casserole
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes bright acidity and chunky texture

• Bell Peppers: Provides colorful, crisp vegetable foundation with natural sweetness
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty topping that creates golden, irresistible crust
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, green garnish with light herbal brightness

Notes: Choose firm bell peppers in varied colors for visual appeal. Select cheese with good melting properties like cheddar or monterey jack. Use fresh herbs when possible for maximum flavor impact.

Tools to Build the Perfect Casserole Layers

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing meat, rice, and sauce ingredients together.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right space for layering and baking the casserole.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like rice, spices, and oil.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Step-by-Step

• Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 375F, creating the perfect cozy environment for our delicious casserole.

• Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground meat in a skillet, adding diced onions and garlic. Let the flavors dance and mingle until meat is perfectly cooked and golden.

• Build the Flavor Base

Combine your seared meat with fluffy rice, zesty tomato sauce, and juicy diced tomatoes. Stir in a generous handful of cheese to create a creamy, rich mixture.

• Create the Pepper Foundation

Spread colorful bell pepper pieces across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a vibrant canvas for your casserole.

• Pour and Shower with Cheese

Gently cascade the meat and rice mixture over the peppers, then rain down the remaining cheese on top, ensuring every inch gets some cheesy love.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let it bubble and transform for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns golden and peppers soften.

• Serve with Flair

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest briefly, and serve this warm, comforting casserole that promises to make everyone at the table smile.

Ideas to Spice Up This Classic Dish

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole components ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Pepper Power Variations: Swap bell peppers with poblano or jalapeño peppers for added heat and a spicy twist to the classic recipe.
• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Hack: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate option that's just as satisfying and delicious.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar to elevate the casserole's flavor profile.

Serving Stuffed Pepper Casserole Hot & Hearty

• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Toss together a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Sour Cream Topping Twist: Add a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving to create a creamy contrast and cut through the casserole's warmth and spices.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra texture that complements the soft casserole layers.
• Quick Pickled Vegetable Accent: Prepare a quick pickle with thinly sliced red onions or jalapeños to add a tangy, zesty kick that brightens up the hearty main dish and provides a crunchy counterpoint.

Tips to Keep It Just as Good Reheated

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide casserole into individual servings before storing. Makes quick grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays. Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
• Reheating Magic: Warm in oven at 350F for best results, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for faster option, but may slightly change texture. Add splash of water to maintain moisture.

Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole brings bold flavors and hearty comfort to dinner tables across North America. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that families will eagerly enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 bell peppers (red & green), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the ideal cooking environment for the upcoming casserole.
2. Rice Foundation: Prepare rice according to package instructions, setting aside for later integration into the dish.
3. Flavor Development: In a large skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, quickly adding garlic to release its aromatic profile. Introduce ground protein, breaking it down while cooking and seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Drain excess fat completely.
4. Casserole Composition: Combine the protein-onion mixture with prepared rice, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Incorporate half of the shredded cheese, creating a cohesive and flavorful base.
5. Assembly and Layering: Spread chopped bell peppers across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the rice and protein mixture over the peppers, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, creating a golden, melty surface.
7. Baking Process: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for bubbling cheese and tender peppers indicating complete cooking.
8. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Precise Pepper Preparation: Chop bell peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Protein Power Control: Use lean ground meat or plant-based alternatives to adjust fat content and nutritional profile without compromising flavor.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Allow cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking to achieve perfect melting consistency and prevent excessive oil separation.
• Seasoning Sophistication: Experiment with additional herbs like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to elevate the dish’s flavor complexity and personal taste preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg