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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

5 from 27 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, Italian sausage casserole, bell pepper recipes, easy casserole, one-pan meal, comfort food, mozzarella cheese casserole