Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you swoon over the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but crave a cozy, fuss-free weeknight meal, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole will win your heart! It’s loaded with juicy Italian sausage, colorful peppers, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese—all bundled up in one bubbling skillet for ultimate comfort and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is carefully chosen to deliver the same irresistible flavor you love—just streamlined for a busy home cook’s schedule! Here’s how each element adds magic to this skillet sensation:

• Ground Italian Sausage (375g): The rich, savory sausage adds tons of flavor and heartiness—opt for mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
• Chopped Bell Peppers (2 cups): These bring beautiful color, natural sweetness, and crunch—feel free to blend red, yellow, and green varieties for extra vibrance.
• Finely Diced Onion (1/2 medium): Adds a gentle aromatic base that rounds out the flavors.
• Chicken Broth (2 cups, low sodium): The broth infuses the rice with deep flavor, making every bite moist and delicious.
• Salsa or Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Salsa adds a zippy freshness, but tomato sauce keeps things classic—both work beautifully.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For irresistible fragrance and a subtle kick.
• Salt, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cumin: This simple blend of seasonings enhances every note in the casserole without overwhelming it.
• Long Grain White Rice (1 cup, rinsed): Rice soaks up all the flavorful juices and forms the perfect base for the saucy filling.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, stretchy deliciousness on top—utter comfort!

Variations

One of the best things about Stuffed Pepper Casserole is how forgiving and flexible it is! Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or adjust ingredients to make this meal your own—it’s all about creating comfort in your kitchen.

• Swap the Protein: Not a fan of sausage? Try ground turkey, beef, or chicken for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• Heat It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or spicy salsa for a bold, zesty kick the whole family will talk about!
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute sausage with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble to keep things hearty and meat-free.
• Cheese Choices: Play with cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all delicious swaps for mozzarella.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by removing the casings from your Italian sausage and crumbling it into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until it’s mostly browned and fragrant—this is where delicious flavor begins to build!

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Add in the chopped bell peppers and diced onion. Let them sauté together with the sausage for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften but still have a bit of vibrant crunch. Your kitchen will already be smelling amazing at this stage!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in your minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Let everything cook together for a minute—this quick step blooms all those gorgeous spices and gives the casserole its signature depth.

Step 4: Deglaze and Stir in Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits off the skillet’s bottom. Those little bits are flavor gold! Add your salsa or tomato sauce and stir to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Rice and Simmer

Rinse your long grain white rice really well under cold water, then add it to the pan. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover. Reduce the heat just a bit and let the casserole cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has absorbed the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: (Optional) Bake Instead

If you prefer to bake, you can cover the skillet tightly and place it in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes. The oven option gives you a hands-off experience and lets the top caramelize just a touch more!

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Once the rice is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes. The cheese melts to gooey perfection, blanketing everything in comfort.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

Brighten each plate with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. If you enjoy a tangy touch, a dollop of sour cream or some sliced green onions add color and pop to every serving of Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines as a one-pan meal, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad or a platter of warm garlic bread. Both soak up all those saucy bits and make your comfort food dreams complete!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or a fun family meal, try spooning casserole servings into roasted hollowed peppers for a “deconstructed stuffed pepper” effect. Or serve family-style straight from the skillet for rustic charm—everyone loves a meal that invites seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole keeps beautifully! Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld as it sits, often making your next-day lunch even better.

Freezing

This casserole is totally freezer-friendly. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop individual servings onto a microwave-safe dish and heat until piping hot, or warm larger portions in a covered skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of broth if things look dry, and always finish with a little fresh cheese for that just-baked appeal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give yourself (and your loved ones) the joy of a cozy homemade dinner that’s equal parts nostalgic and effortless. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is bound to become a regular at your table—so dig in, share seconds, and enjoy every delightfully cheesy bite!

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