Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is loved for its simple, all-in-one preparation. It’s packed with flavors from the Italian sausage, bell peppers, and salsa, with melted mozzarella on top. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to add extra veggies or spices to customize it to your tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground turkey, chicken, or beef)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup salsa (or tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pan, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions and cook until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in the Rice and Salsa: Add the rice, salsa, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the pan, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the casserole and cover again until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve the casserole hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Spice up the dish with cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a hotter salsa.
- Different Meats: Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: Use other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Storage/Reheating
Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little broth or water to prevent it from drying out, cover, and heat in the oven at 250°F for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time to 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of brown rice.
Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the casserole after baking, and reheat it by thawing overnight in the fridge and baking in a 250°F oven for 20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or beef can be used in place of Italian sausage for a leaner option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can use a meat substitute like lentils, tofu, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Can I add more spices to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra herbs like basil, thyme, or chili powder for more flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella is the most common cheese for this dish, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of salsa?
Yes, but salsa adds extra flavor and a bit of spice. If using tomato sauce, you might want to add more seasonings.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare it in a slow cooker. Cook the sausage and vegetables, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Be sure to use a larger pan or baking dish.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a flavorful, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with delicious ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as is or adding your own twist, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, one-pan dinner that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers. Made with Italian sausage, rice, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, and salsa, it’s a hearty and comforting meal for any night of the week. Perfect for busy families, this casserole is customizable and can be adapted to suit your preferences, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground turkey, chicken, or beef)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup salsa (or tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pan, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped bell peppers and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in Rice and Salsa: Add the rice, salsa, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the pan, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the casserole, cover, and allow it to melt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve the casserole hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots.
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicier salsa.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to switch up the flavor.
