Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
This stuffed green pepper casserole recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a delicious twist on the classic stuffed green peppers, offering a convenient and easily customizable casserole format. This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
What You'll Need: Ingredients for a Delicious Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed to suit your needs.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (additional to the peppers used for the base)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Casserole:
- 6 large green bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Carefully cut the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Important: Ensure the peppers are clean and free from any residual seeds, as these can affect the overall taste and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, corn, green bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Tip: Using a non-stick baking dish will make cleanup easier. Fill each green pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve. This hearty casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations for Your Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
This stuffed green pepper casserole recipe is a fantastic option for a comforting and satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for customization to suit individual preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!
