Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Our Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a quick dinner recipe that’s easy to make and will feed a hungry crowd. You can think of this casserole as a deconstructed stuffed pepper casserole, much easier to make but with the same amazing flavors.
Mixing lean ground turkey with colorful bell peppers, flavorful spices, and melted cheddar and mozzarella, this casserole is tasty, adaptable, and simple to prepare.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Highlights
- Quick 30-minute meal
- Easier than traditional stuffed bell pepper casserole
- Multiple protein options (ground turkey, chicken, ground beef, or sausage meat)
- Comforting and cheesy
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
GROUND MEAT – Ground turkey forms the protein base of the casserole, bringing a leaner, healthier option to the table. Its mild flavor perfectly complements this recipe’s bold spices and rich cheese.
BELL PEPPERS – I used orange and red peppers. They add sweetness, crunch, and color. Feel free to use any color you have on hand.
ONION AND GARLIC – These aromatics lay the flavor foundation, offering depth and complexity to the casserole.
SMOKED PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER – This spice trio infuses the dish with a warm, smoky aroma and a layer of savory taste that’s irresistible.
TOMATO PASTE AND DICED TOMATOES – Concentrated tomato paste and juicy diced tomatoes create a rich, tangy base that complements the meat and vegetables.
CHICKEN BROTH – Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile. You can substitute it with any broth you have, adjusting the taste accordingly.
RICE – Acts as a hearty filler, absorbing all the flavors and making the casserole more substantial. Pre-cooked rice ensures the casserole stays moist but not soggy.
CHEESE – A mix of these cheeses brings a perfect melt and a beautiful stretch to the casserole, with Cheddar adding sharpness and Mozzarella providing that irresistible cheese pull.
How To Make A Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey with onion, bell peppers, and garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, cooking for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, add chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Fold in the pre-cooked white rice and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for 20 minutes at 375º Fahrenheit or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- SALAD – A simple, fresh side salad such as our popular German Cucumber Salad balances the richness of the casserole and adds a crunch.
- BREAD – Our simple 3-ingredient homemade bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
FREEZE – Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for a quick and easy future meal. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months.
REHEAT – Warm up in the oven or microwave until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Recipe Success Tips
PRE-COOK THE RICE – Ensure the rice is cooked before adding it to the casserole to avoid a mushy texture.
SEASON TO TASTE – Don’t be shy with the spices; adjust according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
CHEESE VARIETY – Experiment with different types of cheese for new flavors. A bit of Parmesan can add a nice salty bite.
SKILLET OPTION – If you have an oven-safe skillet, use it to make this a one-dish meal, cutting down on clean-up.
Commonly Asked Questions
What’s the advantage of making this casserole?
It’s much faster and easier to prep than a classic stuffed pepper casserole.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes! I recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 96/4). If you use ground meat, I would also use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely. Remember that brown rice takes a while to cook, so you’ll have to adjust your prep time accordingly. That said, if you live near Trader Joe’s, make sure to check out their frozen brown rice. It’s delicious and takes just 3 minutes to heat up in the microwave.
What about using cauliflower rice?
I have not tested this myself. And keep in mind that while cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option, it has a different consistency. However, if you want to try it, you can typically find cauliflower rice in the freezer section of most major supermarkets.
More Easy and Delicious Casserole Recipes
EASY CHICKEN POT PIE CASSEROLE
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 large red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic mince
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups white rice cooked
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat the ground turkey in a large pan over medium heat, season with salt and pepper, stir, and allow the turkey to cook.
- Once the meat has almost fully cooked, add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Allow them to soften slightly.
- Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Add in the tomato paste and stir. The mixture will be thick at this point.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked white rice, and sprinkle and mix half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven in the center rack and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sides are nice and bubbly. If desired, garnish with green onions or fresh parsley and serve.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.