Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of hollowing out vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting dish combining savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender rice, finished with melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

• ¾ pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, 375g)
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato salsa
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it begins to brown. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, then cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then stir in the tomato salsa.
4. Step 4: Rinse the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear, drain thoroughly, then add it to the skillet.
5. Step 5: Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added sweetness and texture, try mixing in some chopped tomatoes or corn along with the bell peppers.
• Use spicy Italian sausage to add a kick, or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• If you prefer, swap the mozzarella for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Be sure to rinse the rice well to prevent it from becoming sticky or gummy during cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the simmering step, then cool and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and add the cheese at the end to melt.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice?

Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate and prevents the casserole from becoming gluey.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish inspired by classic stuffed peppers. Ground Italian sausage is cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and fragrant spices, then simmered with rice, tomato salsa, and chicken broth to create a flavorful, hearty casserole topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• ¾ pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) (375g)
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings and Spices

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato salsa

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground Italian sausage until it just starts to brown. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
2. Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 more minute to release the aromas and flavors.
3. Add liquids and scrape skillet: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor. Stir in the tomato salsa.
4. Add rice: Rinse the long-grain white rice well under cold water and drain. Add the rice to the skillet and stir everything together thoroughly.
5. Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
6. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and let the cheese melt before serving hot.

Notes

• The sausage can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage or adding chili flakes.
• Use low-sodium broth and salsa to control salt levels.
• Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
• Leftovers store well and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, Italian sausage casserole, easy one-pan dinner, skillet casserole, comfort food, bell pepper recipe