Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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Elevate your weeknight dinners with the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole form. Our Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe brings together savory ground beef, mild Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic jasmine rice, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Topped with melted Monterey jack cheese, this hearty dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of making this family-friendly favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
  • ¾ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, and green)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In an extra-large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef and ground mild Italian sausage. Cook until browned, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  2. Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the rendered fat, add diced onion, bell peppers, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Saute for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  3. Add Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet. Add low-sodium beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add jasmine rice. Stir to distribute the rice evenly throughout the skillet.
  6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 to 22 minutes until the rice is tender and cooked through.
  7. Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and check that the rice is fully cooked. If needed, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with the lid and allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole hot and fresh from the oven for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
  2. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  3. Pair with a side salad dressed in vinaigrette or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
  4. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for added creaminess and tanginess.
  5. Accompany with a side of salsa or hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
  6. Serve leftovers for lunch the next day, either reheated or cold, for a convenient and delicious meal.
  7. Divide leftovers into individual portions and freeze for quick and easy meals on busy days.
  8. Pack leftovers in a microwave-safe container for a flavorful and filling lunch at work or school.
  9. Enjoy as a filling breakfast option by topping with a fried or poached egg.
  10. Transform leftovers into a hearty taco filling by wrapping in tortillas and garnishing with your favorite toppings.
  11. Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced and flavorful dinner.
  12. Layer leftover casserole between slices of bread or rolls for a tasty sandwich option.
  13. Top with avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy and satisfying addition.
  14. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.
  15. Pack individual servings in a lunchbox for a flavorful and convenient meal on the go.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Alternatively, portion leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
  3. To freeze, transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
  4. Label containers with the date of preparation for easy reference.
  5. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  6. Reheat thawed casserole in the microwave or oven until heated through.
  7. For optimal texture and flavor, add a splash of beef broth or water to the casserole before reheating to prevent dryness.
  8. Store leftover cheese separately from the casserole to prevent it from becoming soggy during storage.
  9. If reheating individual portions, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent splattering in the microwave.
  10. Discard any leftover casserole that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef and sausage with cooked lentils or a meatless ground alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  2. Tex-Mex Twist: Add canned black beans, corn kernels, and diced jalapeños for a spicy Tex-Mex variation.
  3. Mediterranean Style: Incorporate diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  4. Quinoa Substitute: Swap jasmine rice for quinoa for a protein-rich alternative.
  5. Cheesy Bacon: Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon pieces for a cheesy bacon flavor explosion.
  6. Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a low-carb option.
  7. Italian-Inspired: Add diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired version.
  8. Southwest Flair: Mix in canned green chilies, black beans, and corn for a southwestern flair.
  9. Buffalo Chicken: Substitute ground beef and sausage with shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy buffalo chicken variation.
  10. Greek-Inspired: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and Greek seasoning for a Greek-inspired twist.
  11. Asian Fusion: Add soy sauce, ginger, and water chestnuts for an Asian-inspired fusion dish.
  12. Cabbage Rolls: Use cabbage leaves instead of bell peppers to create a cabbage roll casserole.
  13. Taco Seasoning: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for a taco-flavored casserole.
  14. Creamy Spinach: Mix in cream cheese and chopped spinach for a creamy spinach variation.
  15. Sausage and Peppers: Use only mild Italian sausage and omit ground beef for a sausage and peppers casserole.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with any variety of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Adjust baking time accordingly if baking from chilled.
  3. Can I use frozen bell peppers instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers in this recipe. Thaw them before adding to the skillet and adjust cooking time as needed.
  4. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage and increase the amount of vegetables or add a meatless protein alternative.
  5. Can I use different types of cheese for the topping? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique flavor profile.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Certainly! You can customize the casserole by adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Treat your loved ones to a delicious meal with our Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe. Bursting with hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a combination of savory meats, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s a surefire way to bring smiles to the dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of this family-favorite casserole!