Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that brings together savory meat, tender rice, and sweet bell peppers into a flavorful and satisfying meal. However, making traditional stuffed peppers can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Enter the Stuffed Pepper Casserole—a simpler, one-pan version that captures all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers with a fraction of the effort. This hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delightful dish, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 375 grams ground Italian sausage, casings removed (one small package)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers
Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook the peppers until they are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. The bell peppers add a vibrant color and sweetness to the dish. You can use any combination of red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers based on your preference.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Add the low sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the casserole. The chicken broth adds moisture and helps cook the rice evenly.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. The tomato sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Rinse the long grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bringing the mixture to a simmer ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Step 6: Simmer Until Cooked
Once the mixture is simmering, cover the skillet and reduce the heat slightly. Allow the casserole to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
When the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole is now ready to serve. Spoon the casserole onto plates or into bowls and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a family dinner and also makes great leftovers.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Stuffed Pepper Casserole is delicious on its own, there are several tips and variations you can try to customize it to your taste:
Tips
- Use Different Meats: If you prefer, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Keep an Eye on the Rice: Make sure to stir the casserole occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Adding a bit more broth if needed can help maintain the right consistency.
Variations
- Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: For an extra cheesy version, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese along with the mozzarella.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Mexican-Style Casserole: Add a can of black beans, a cup of corn, and a teaspoon of cumin to the mixture. Top with shredded Mexican blend cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Italian Twist: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes for a more Italian-inspired flavor. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Quinoa Substitute: Replace the rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as quinoa cooks faster than rice.
The Joy of One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals like Stuffed Pepper Casserole are a lifesaver for busy families and individuals. They simplify the cooking process by reducing the number of dishes to clean and ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients from the meat, vegetables, and rice.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a few simple sides:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the hearty casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the casserole in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency. The dish can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. By following this simple recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a meal that’s uniquely yours and perfect for your family’s taste. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade Stuffed Pepper Casserole
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A One-Pan Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed peppers, combining all the flavors of the original dish in an easy-to-make casserole. This comforting and hearty meal features ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked together for a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
375 grams ground Italian sausage casings removed, one small package
2 cups chopped bell peppers any color
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 cup long grain white rice rinsed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage. Add peppers and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Add broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
Add tomato sauce, salt and pepper.
Rinse rice well under cold water and add to the skillet.
Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat slightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
Sprinkle with cheese, cover and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg