Stuffed Pepper Casserole

The first time I made Stuffed Pepper Casserole, it was a chilly evening, and I was craving something warm and comforting. I rummaged through my pantry and found bell peppers, ground turkey, and spices that whispered of warmth and flavor. The aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy embrace as the dish simmered on the stove. Each bite was a reminder of family dinners where we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and home.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

When it comes to the ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole, balance is key. Each component plays a vital role, coming together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. The core ingredients like ground turkey, bell peppers, and rice harmonize beautifully, ensuring each bite is satisfying.

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – This oil serves as a base for cooking, adding richness to the dish.
• 1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken – A lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• 1 medium yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Brings an aromatic blend of herbs to enhance the flavor.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy taste that complements the peppers.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the dish adequately.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper – For a little extra kick!
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with its robust flavor.
• 12 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed – A great way to sneak in some greens!
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced – Adds sweetness and color to the casserole.
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced – Provides a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
• 2 cups water – The liquid base that helps the rice cook.
• 1 can 15-ounce fire roasted diced tomatoes in their juices – Adds acidity and flavor.
• 1 8-ounce can no salt added tomato sauce – Brings a rich tomato flavor to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Introduces a savory umami flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice, rinsed and drained – The heartiness of the dish comes from the rice.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a creamy, cheesy layer on top.
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese – For a little bit of heat.
• For serving: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley; Greek yogurt – Fresh toppings to brighten the dish.

Cooking Method for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Cooking Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful process that makes your kitchen smell incredible. The steps are easy to follow and result in a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the cooking method!

1. In a Dutch oven or similar deep, sturdy pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium high heat. This step is crucial as it creates a flavorful base for your casserole.
2. Add the ground turkey and yellow onion. With a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small pieces. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, and the onion has softened, which should take about 7 minutes.
3. Next, add the Italian seasoning, ground cumin, kosher salt, ground pepper, and garlic. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Stir and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Now, add the thawed chopped spinach. Carefully break apart any clumps so it’s evenly distributed with the meat mixture. This is where the dish gets its vibrant color and nutrition.
5. Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and green bell pepper, along with water, fire roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown rice. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors.
7. After 30 minutes, uncover and give the mixture a good stir, scraping up any rice that might be starting to stick to the bottom. Recover and continue to simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
8. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Uncover and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Don’t worry if it seems a bit liquidy; it will thicken as it cools!
9. Sprinkle the cheddar and pepper jack cheese over the top. Recover the pot and let it sit off the heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
10. If you’d like a golden top, place the dish, uncovered, under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
11. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.

Helpful Hints

Cooking can be an adventure, and having a few handy tips can make your experience even better. Here are some hints to keep in mind while preparing your Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

• Storage: Place leftover casserole in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: To simplify your dinner prep, chop all fresh veggies and brown the meat the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the mix.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

What Goes Well With This Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Serving Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be as creative as the dish itself! Here are some ideas on what to serve alongside:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty casserole beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or rolls to soak up any leftover juices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider roasting seasonal vegetables to add a healthy touch to your meal.
• Quinoa: A side of quinoa can be a great protein-rich addition, enhancing the overall nutrition of your meal.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it easy to serve a crowd.
• Game Day: Serve it during game day for a filling and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation that makes it a standout dish. I encourage you to try your hand at making this comforting casserole—it’s bound to become a family favorite in your home as it has in mine. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious results that follow!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the rich flavors of ground turkey, bell peppers, and melted cheese into a hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this is an easy weeknight dinner that will leave your family craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 12 ounces frozen chopped spinach
• 1 each red bell pepper
• 1 each green bell pepper
• 2 cups water
• 1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 8-ounce can no salt added tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 serving chopped fresh cilantro or parsley For serving
• 1 serving Greek yogurt For serving

Instructions

 

• In a Dutch oven or similar deep, sturdy pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium high.
• Add the ground turkey and yellow onion. With a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small pieces. Cook and stir until it is browned and fully cooked through and the onion is tender, about 7 minutes.
• Add the Italian seasoning, ground cumin, kosher salt, ground pepper, and garlic. Stir and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the frozen chopped spinach. With a fork (or very carefully with your fingers) break apart the clumps so it's fairly evenly distributed with the meat.
• Add red bell pepper, green bell pepper, water, fire roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and uncooked brown rice. Stir to evenly combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let cook 30 minutes.
• Uncover and stir, scraping up any rice that is beginning to stick. Recover and continue to simmer until the rice is tender, about 10 to 15 additional minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Uncover and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
• Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese over the top, then recover.
• Let sit off the heat 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• If you’d like the top golden, place the dish, uncovered, under the broiler for a minute or two (watch carefully to ensure the top does not burn).
• Serve warm, sprinkled with fresh cilantro or parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Notes

• Tip 1: Place leftover casserole in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Tip 3: To make this dish ahead, chop all the fresh veggies and brown the meat. Store them in the refrigerator in separate containers until you’re ready to prepare the casserole.

Keyword Recipe