Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Skip the extra work of individual stuffed peppers this Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Rice Casserole captures everything you love in one easy skillet. Juicy ground meat, piles of bell peppers, and saucy tomatoes all bubble together with hearty rice and a swirl of gooey cheese. It transforms what could be a fussy recipe into a one pot weeknight family favorite that never disappoints on flavor or comfort.

I started making this casserole on nights when my family begged for stuffed peppers but we had zero patience for stuffing anything. Now it is our go to dish when we want healthy filling comfort fast. Every time I bring this to a potluck it is gone within minutes.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: This is the base cooking fat that brings out the aromatics Use a fruity well made oil for best flavor
• Ground turkey ground chicken or lean ground beef: These are the primary protein Choose fresh meat that is bright in color and without extra liquid for best taste
• Yellow onion: Key for sweetness and body Look for firm heavy onions with papery skin
• Italian seasoning and ground cumin: Add a round earthy spice Choose blends that are fragrant and free of fillers
• Kosher salt and ground pepper: These help all the flavors pop always use kosher salt for less metallic taste
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give warmth and depth Avoid old wrinkled garlic for best results
• Frozen chopped spinach: Provides added nutrition and color Make sure it is fully thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
• Red and green bell peppers: Essential for stuffed pepper flavor Choose firm shiny peppers without spots
• Water: Needed to cook the rice and meld everything together Use filtered water if possible
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices: Give smokiness and tang Try to use tomatoes with visible char for extra depth
• No salt added tomato sauce: Brings moisture without excess sodium Choose sauce with no added sugar
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth Look for bottles without artificial sweetener
• Uncooked brown rice: Hearty and healthy Opt for whole grain long grain brown rice for chew and nutty flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a classic sharp blanket Grate your own from a block for best melt
• Shredded pepper jack cheese Monterey Jack or mozzarella: Create creamy gooey layers Go for quality cheese that is moist but not overly soft
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: Brings a pop of color and freshness Choose bunches with unwilted vibrant leaves
• Greek yogurt: For a creamy cooling finish Use plain full fat yogurt for the richest dollops

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté The Base:

Pour extra virgin olive oil into a deep Dutch oven and set over medium high heat Allow the oil to shimmer then add ground meat and chopped onion Cook the mixture breaking the meat into small pieces and stirring frequently for about seven minutes Continue until the meat is browned and the onion edges are golden This foundation is key to building flavor

Bloom The Spices:

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning ground cumin kosher salt ground pepper and minced garlic Stir well without stopping for about one minute The garlic should become fragrant but not take on color This step releases oils from the spices enhancing their aroma

Fold In Greens And Peppers:

Add the thawed spinach breaking it apart fully with a fork Tumble in the diced red and green bell peppers Stir thoroughly so every bit of vegetable is coated with the seasoned base The skillet should be full of vibrant colors

Combine And Simmer:

Pour in water fire roasted diced tomatoes tomato sauce Worcestershire sauce and uncooked brown rice Mix to thoroughly combine making sure all rice is submerged in liquid Increase the heat until the mixture boils then drop down to low for a gentle simmer Cover tightly and cook for thirty minutes

Check And Finish The Rice:

Uncover and stir the casserole scraping up any rice that may have stuck Cover again and continue to simmer gently for ten to fifteen more minutes Taste the rice it should be tender with a gentle bite Adjust liquid if needed

Melt The Cheese:

Remove from heat and scatter shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese evenly over the hot casserole Cover again and let sit ten minutes The cheeses will melt into gooey ribbons and the casserole will thicken as it rests

Optional Broil For Golden Top:

If you love a crispy cheese crust slip the uncovered pot under the broiler for one or two minutes Keep watch so the cheese bubbles and turns a light golden color but does not burn

Serve And Garnish:

Scoop generous portions into bowls then crown each with fresh cilantro or parsley and a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for a cool finish

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I absolutely adore the way fire roasted tomatoes wake up this whole casserole Their smoky brightness makes every bite pop with flavor and reminds me of late summer cookouts. My kids love swirling their Greek yogurt right in for extra creaminess and it always turns dinner into a happy quiet moment at the table.

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole keeps well for up to four days in the refrigerator Transfer to an airtight container and let it cool fully before sealing For longer storage freeze in individual portions for up to two months A quick zap in the microwave or gentle reheat in a skillet brings it right back to life

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground turkey for ground beef or even plant based crumbles if you are meat free If you are out of brown rice white rice works just reduce the liquid slightly and the cook time You can also add canned black beans or fresh corn for a Tex Mex twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole all on its own for a hearty meal Add a crisp green salad or even roasted sweet potatoes alongside A few pickled jalapenos or a salsa spooned over the top make a spicy tangy side

Cultural Context

The stuffed pepper is a beloved comfort dish in many cultures from classic Mediterranean menus to Mexican home cooking This casserole brings together flavors from each tradition and spins them into a quick modern version perfect for our busy weeknights

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other ground meats?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef all work well, so you can use what you have on hand or prefer in flavor.

→ How can I make this grain-free?

Substitute the brown rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free alternative.

→ What cheeses work best for topping?

Shredded cheddar and pepper jack add sharp, melty goodness, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great options, too.

→ Can I prepare it ahead?

Absolutely—assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for easy meal prep.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep everything moist and cheesy.