This hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole transforms the classic stuffed pepper into an easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and savory rice, this one-dish meal delivers all the flavors you love without the fuss of individual stuffing. The melted cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting casserole.

Ingredients:

4 bell peppers, diced
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Variations

Mexican-Style Stuffed Pepper Casserole – Replace Italian seasoning with cumin and chili powder, add a can of black beans and corn, and top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
Mediterranean Twist – Use ground lamb or turkey, add diced zucchini and eggplant, season with oregano and basil, and finish with feta cheese and fresh herbs.
Quinoa Power Bowl Version – Substitute quinoa for rice, add diced mushrooms and spinach, and use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for extra protein.

Cooking Notes

Rice Preparation – Use day-old cooked rice for best results as it holds its texture better and won’t become mushy during baking.
Pepper Texture Control – For softer peppers, pre-cook the diced bell peppers for 2-3 minutes before adding to the turkey mixture; for crunchier texture, add them raw.
Cheese Melting Tip – Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese top without overcooking the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Green Salad – Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices and make the meal more filling.
Roasted Vegetables – Complement with roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus seasoned with herbs for added nutrition and color.

Tips

Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake (add 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time).
Freezer Storage – This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Leftover Magic – Transform leftovers into stuffed pepper soup by adding chicken broth and simmering, or use as a filling for baked sweet potatoes.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 26g
Sodium: 450mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole? – No, it’s best to use pre-cooked rice as uncooked rice won’t have enough time to properly cook through during the baking process and may result in a crunchy texture.
How do I store leftovers and how long do they last? – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free? – Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The casserole will still be flavorful and satisfying without it.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out? – Keep the dish covered with foil for most of the baking time, only removing it for the final 10-15 minutes. Also, don’t skip the liquid from the canned tomatoes as it helps keep everything moist.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish format that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily customize it with different proteins, grains, or seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this hearty casserole delivers on both flavor and convenience.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Author: Avery
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

4 bell peppers, diced
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or ground chicken for the turkey if preferred. For extra flavor, try using a mix of different colored bell peppers. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake – just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: stuffed pepper, casserole, ground turkey, one-dish meal, family dinner