Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy, savory flavors of classic stuffed peppers without any of the fuss, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Loose, loaded with sweet bell peppers, juicy Italian sausage, tender rice, and bubbling cheese, this skillet wonder brings weeknight comfort straight to your table—in just one pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple and delicious! Each ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is handpicked to add bold flavor, color, or melt-in-your-mouth texture—no fillers, just real weeknight magic. Here’s what goes into making your skillet sing:

• Ground Italian Sausage (375g, casings removed): Brings a punch of herby, savory richness—go spicy or mild depending on your mood.
• Bell Peppers (2 cups, any color): Choose a rainbow for full flavor and cheerful color; peppers add crunch and sweetness that are instantly comforting.
• Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Onion softens into the background, adding a subtle touch of sweetness and depth.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): The savory liquid that perfectly cooks the rice and captures all the sausage and pepper flavors.
• Salsa or Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Adds tangy brightness and a saucy base—salsa gives zest, tomato sauce is mellow and classic.
• Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Gives that classic Italian warmth and extra zest.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the cozy flavors without overpowering.
• Oregano (½ teaspoon): For that Mediterranean touch that makes this feel authentically homey.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle peppery bite in every forkful.
• Cumin (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch for unexpected savory warmth and depth.
• Long Grain White Rice (1 cup, rinsed): This soaks up all the juices and turns the dish into a hearty, spoonable casserole.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): For a bubbling, melty finale you’ll want extra forkfuls of!

Variations

Ready to make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole your own? With just a few tweaks, you can customize it to fit your family’s cravings, use what’s on hand, or delight anyone with special dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based “meat” crumbles or hearty cooked lentils—and use veggie broth to keep it flavorful and filling.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or toss in diced jalapeños and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat!
• Mexican Flair: Use salsa as your sauce base, then add black beans, corn, and Monterey Jack for a fiesta-inspired twist.
• Cheese Swap: Not a mozzarella fan? Try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a cheesy finish that matches your tastes.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s just starting to brown and fragrant—this gets all those delicious caramelized bits going. (If there’s excess fat, feel free to spoon some off!)

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions

Add the chopped bell peppers and onion directly into the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just crisp-tender—the peppers should still have some color and crunch!

Step 3: Season and Add Garlic

Tip in your minced garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Cook for about one minute more, just until the garlic is fragrant—it’ll make your whole kitchen smell like an Italian bistro.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned sausage bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the salsa or tomato sauce to create a rich, savory liquid that’s ready to flavor the rice.

Step 5: Add Rice and Simmer

Give your rice a quick rinse under cold water (it helps it cook up fluffy, not sticky), then stir it into the skillet. Mix everything well, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover. Reduce the heat a bit and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has absorbed all the fragrant liquid. (Baking Option: If you prefer, you can cover your skillet tightly and bake the casserole at 350°F for 20–30 minutes instead!)

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Once the rice is done, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot casserole. Pop the lid back on and let it sit for 5 minutes—the cheese will melt gorgeously, giving you that irresistible cheesy blanket on top. Dish up and enjoy!

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil over your Stuffed Pepper Casserole gives it an instantly inviting pop of green and a kiss of herbal flavor. For extra love, scatter on some sliced green onions or a dusting of freshly grated parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it’s absolutely dynamite with a simple salad of crisp greens, a hunk of crusty bread to mop up all the juices, or even some steamed broccoli or garlicky green beans. For heartier appetites, a cup of soup on the side keeps dinner extra cozy!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the casserole into colorful ramekins for individual servings, or top each bowl with a swirl of sour cream and a scattering of diced tomatoes for a fun, festive look. If you’re serving for a crowd, scatter extra cheese on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden—a little crunchy cheese never hurt anyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Stuffed Pepper Casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors get even cozier as they mingle!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to keep the rice from drying out) or gently warm larger amounts in a covered baking dish at 325ºF. If needed, add a splash of broth to loosen up the rice and keep everything luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Stuffed Pepper Casserole a try and make it a staple in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table, filling your home with savory aromas and happy faces—so dig in, savor every bite, and enjoy the easy magic of comfort food at its best!

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