Some nights I’ve my act collectively. Most nights I make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Free-type and simple-going, this recipe takes the traditional flavors and elements of stuffed peppers, then turns them into tacky, wholesome consolation meals that cooks in a single pot. “Unstuffed pepper casserole” could be a becoming identify for it too.

A eternally fan of all-in-one meals—which means single recipes that present servings of lean protein, entire grains, AND greens alike, so that you don’t must fuss with a aspect if you happen to aren’t within the temper—my love of stuffed vegetable recipes is properly-documented right here.

Let’s take stuffed peppers. I’ve a model for each temper!

Stuffed Peppers For When You’re Feeling Polished: Mexican Stuffed Peppers; Italian Stuffed Peppers; Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Stuffed Peppers. These recipes are straightforward, wholesome, and tie the whole dinner package deal with a tidy, knife-and-fork, bell pepper bow.

Stuffed Peppers For When You’ve Deliberate Forward. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers. Prep them a couple of hours prematurely, and dinner is able to go when you find yourself.

Stuffed Peppers For When You’re Barely Holding It Collectively. THIS IS THAT RECIPE.

Consider this casserole as stuffed peppers, deconstructed—a really fancy approach of claiming, these are stuffed peppers for final-minute people who find themselves in want of straightforward recipes.

A mixture of floor turkey (or floor beef), pink and inexperienced bell peppers, brown rice, cheese, and some sneaky further greens that nobody will complain about and also you’ll really feel pleased you included, this recipe tastes like a stuffed pepper, no precise stuffing required.

As an alternative of stuffing the filling into the peppers, the bell peppers listed below are sliced, sautéed, then combined with the opposite elements.

The rice cooks in the identical skillet too. You don’t have to make it prematurely, and it is going to be completely tender when the casserole is full.

This recipe is a cross between the various traditional stuffed pepper recipes on my web site (see above) and this reader favourite Sausage and Rice Casserole, with an additional ooey-gooey, casserole consolation issue added for good measure/basic happiness.

The tacky stuffed pepper casserole yields a beneficiant quantity, and the leftovers are straightforward to pack for lunch and reheat for quick dinners. I’ve storage ideas for you under. Make it as soon as, and your future self will thanks for the remainder of the week!

The way to Make the Greatest Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Contemporary elements and pantry staples mix to create one critical skillet.

The Elements

• Floor Turkey. To make this a lean and wholesome stuffed pepper casserole, I used floor turkey. You could possibly additionally use floor rooster or lean floor beef.
• Greens. The extra the merrier for this nutrient-packed dish! I used a mix of onion, inexperienced and pink bell peppers, and frozen spinach. The frozen spinach is very sneaky. It’s so delicate, you’ll be able to barely style it.
• Spices. As with all my stuffed pepper recipes, there’s oodles of taste to be discovered. I used Italian seasoning for zest and cumin for heat. The mix may sound a bit odd at first, however right here it really works magnificently.
• Diced Tomatoes + Tomato Sauce. Fireplace roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauce do double obligation give the casserole glorious taste and supply cooking liquid for the rice.
• Worcestershire Sauce. The savory, umami issue.
• Brown Rice. Brown rice is a staple in my home, and it’s good for you too! As a result of brown rice is an entire grain, it’s greater in fiber, protein, and vitamins than common white rice. (See under for tips about make this a low carb casserole utilizing cauliflower rice as a substitute).
• Cheese. I really like the mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese right here. They’re daring and pair completely with the opposite flavors. When you want a extra delicate taste, use Monterey jack, mozzarella, or cheddar solely.
• Toppings. I prefer to prime my casserole with chopped recent cilantro or parsley for freshness and Greek yogurt for creaminess. In a rush? You possibly can skip the toppings. The casserole will nonetheless be delish.

The Instructions 

1. Warmth oil in a Dutch oven or nice massive skillet, then add the turkey and onion. Cook dinner till browned, breaking the meat aside.
   

2. Add the spices and garlic, cooking till aromatic. Then, add the spinach. Add the peppers, water, tomatoes and tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and rice. Stir to mix.

3. Carry all the things to a boil, then scale back to a simmer. Cowl and prepare dinner for 30 minutes. Then, uncover, stir, and recuperate. Let simmer till the rice is tender. Sprinkle cheese on prime.
   

4. Let the casserole sit a couple of minutes, till the cheese is melted. Add recent cilantro or parsley, and serve heat. ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

• To Make Vegetarian. Swap the bottom turkey for two (15-ounce) cans of decreased sodium white beans. Stir within the beans after the spinach in Step 3.
• To Make Gluten Free. No modifications wanted! This recipe is of course gluten free as written.
• To Make Low Carb – Use Cauliflower Rice. You possibly can experiment with making this stuffed pepper casserole with cauliflower rice. I might recommend omitting the tomato sauce and water, as they gained’t be wanted. Drain the diced tomatoes and add them with the spices and bell peppers in Step 2 (wait so as to add the spinach). Sauté the greens till the peppers are tender and the tomato liquid has cooked off. Add the spinach, then cauliflower rice and stir to heat by way of. Add the cheese and dig in!

What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Whereas it is a fantastic all-in-one meal, listed below are a couple of concepts of what else you could possibly serve with it:

Make Forward, Storage, and Freezer Ideas

• To Retailer. Place leftover casserole in an hermetic storage container within the fridge for as much as Four days.
• To Reheat. Reheat the casserole in a Dutch oven over medium-low warmth till sizzling. You may as well rewarm this casserole within the microwave till warmed by way of.
• To Freeze. Retailer leftovers in an hermetic freezer-secure storage container within the freezer for as much as Three months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.
• To Make Forward. To make this dish forward, chop all of the recent veggies and brown the meat. Retailer them within the fridge in separate containers till you’re prepared to arrange the casserole. You may as well place your bag of frozen spinach within the fridge to thaw the evening earlier than.

So, are you ready for me to admit which stuffed pepper recipe iteration is my favourite? It actually does depend upon my temper (and let’s be trustworthy—my stage of dinner preparation that day!).

I can say that on any day while you’re within the advertising and marketing for a wholesome dinner that comforts and largely takes care of itself on the range, this stuffed pepper recipe is tough to beat.

When you do that recipe, please depart a remark and star ranking under. It makes my day to listen to from you and retains me going to know that you simply get pleasure from these recipes!