Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole featuring ground Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and rice all cooked together in a savory tomato salsa and chicken broth base, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This one-pan dish captures the classic taste of stuffed peppers in an easy, comforting casserole form.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Sausage and Vegetables
- ¾ pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) (375g)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Liquids and Grains
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato salsa
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground Italian sausage until it begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato salsa to combine.
- Add rice and simmer: After rinsing the rice well under cold water and draining, add it to the skillet. Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer.
- Cook the rice: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole, cover the skillet again, and let the cheese melt before serving, about 2-3 minutes.
Notes
- Use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the dish’s saltiness; adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, Italian sausage casserole, bell pepper recipes, easy casserole, one-pan meal, comfort food, mozzarella cheese casserole