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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

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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

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/stuffed-pepper-casserole-recipe/