Are you a comfort food lover looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal? Look no further than stuffed pepper casserole! This classic dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
From classic cheese and ground beef combinations to international-inspired flavors like Mexican and Greek, there’s a stuffed pepper casserole out there for everyone. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make! Simply fill bell peppers with your favorite ingredients, add some rice, cheese, and sauce, and bake until golden brown.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious stuffed pepper casserole recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From creamy chicken and wild rice to spicy sausage and rice, there’s something for everyone. So grab a bell pepper and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food!
Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Elevate your dinner game with this comforting casserole that combines the flavors of ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
5. Stuff each pepper with the ground beef mixture, leaving room at the top for cheese.
6. Top each pepper with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Black Beans
This casserole combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a classic stuffed pepper dish, featuring black beans, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook onion and garlic until softened. Add black beans, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the bean mixture and top with cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of quinoa, roasted vegetables, and gooey cheese will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced onion, minced garlic, corn kernels, black beans, and shredded cheese.
4. Stuff each pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Rice Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty casserole, packed with spicy sausage, flavorful rice, and tender bell peppers. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as Andouille or Chorizo), casings removed
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 large bell peppers, any color, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff bell peppers with the sausage-rice mixture, filling to the top.
6. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a creative twist on traditional stuffed peppers, swapping out rice for cauliflower and reducing carbs. Perfect for low-carb dieters or anyone looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/buffalo)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low-fat or reduced-carb option)
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper; stir well.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, followed by a layer of cauliflower “rice”.
6. Top with shredded cheese and cover with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey and Brown Rice Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A flavorful and nutritious casserole that combines the comforting flavors of turkey, brown rice, and bell peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 2 large bell peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and cooked rice to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with parsley.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Loaded Italian Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Mozzarella
This hearty casserole combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of stuffed peppers, loaded with mozzarella cheese and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southwest Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Corn and Avocado
This vibrant casserole combines the flavors of Southwestern cuisine with the comfort of a classic stuffed pepper dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar), optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn kernels, and cumin. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture and top with avocado slices.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the flavors of chicken, wild rice, and bell peppers with a creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 2 large bell peppers, any color, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken, wild rice, bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked mixture with sauce and stir until combined.
6. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek-Inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Feta and Olives
Experience the bold flavors of Greece in this hearty casserole, featuring tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, feta cheese, olives, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until bell peppers are tender.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A creative twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole combines the flavors of BBQ pulled pork with the sweetness of bell peppers and a crunchy cornbread topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker or Instant Pot until tender, then shred with two forks.
3. Roast bell peppers in the oven for 30 minutes, or until charred. Let cool, then chop into large pieces.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
5. Assemble casserole by layering cooked pork, chopped bell peppers, and BBQ mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with cornbread mixture (mix cornmeal, heavy cream, salt, and pepper) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lentil and Mushroom Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A hearty, plant-based twist on the classic stuffed pepper recipe, featuring tender lentils, earthy mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers. This casserole is perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
4. Add cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the lentil mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Place peppers in a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This unique casserole combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers and stuffed peppers for a spicy, cheesy, and savory dish. Perfect for a family dinner or game day gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 bell peppers, any color
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, cheese, jalapeños, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Fill with the meat mixture and top with additional cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole combines the flavors of buffalo chicken and bell peppers for a spicy and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, buffalo wing sauce, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, filling to the top.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the peppers.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Chickpeas
This vibrant casserole combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Roasted bell peppers, chickpeas, and feta cheese add depth and texture to this hearty dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast bell peppers by placing them on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until skin is blistered.
3. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cooked rice, feta cheese, parsley, and garlic.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chickpea mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Taco-Inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Cilantro Lime Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole combines the comfort of a warm pepper filled with seasoned beef and rice with the bold flavors of taco-inspired fillings.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Mix with black beans, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned, breaking up meat into small pieces. Add garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A flavorful and colorful twist on the classic stuffed pepper recipe, this dish combines the richness of pesto with the savory sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of bacon and cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix together cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the bacon-cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This casserole combines the flavors of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans with the sweetness of bell peppers, creating a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add black beans and cook until heated through.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the sweet potato mixture, then top with the black bean mixture and cheese (if using).
5. Place stuffed peppers in a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until peppers are tender. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the tops.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Spinach
This hearty casserole combines the flavors of roasted peppers, garlic, and parmesan cheese with a nutritious boost from fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, parmesan cheese, garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 delicious stuffed pepper casserole recipes! From classic comfort food flavors to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Try cheesy ground beef or Mexican-inspired black bean variations, or go vegetarian with quinoa and roasted peppers. For a meat-lovers’ treat, try spicy sausage and rice or BBQ pulled pork. And don’t forget the cheese lovers – from mozzarella to cheddar, there’s a stuffed pepper casserole to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and homestyle or a flavorful international flair, these recipes have got you covered.
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