Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ Tablespoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped; 2 large green bell peppers, diced (any color bell pepper will work); 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce; 1 Tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice (Lundberg Farm long grain brown rice recommended); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

If you have ever loved the classic flavors of stuffed peppers but wished for a more comforting, easier-to-make option, you are going to adore this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe. It captures all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in one hearty, warm dish that combines ground turkey, fresh veggies, and rice in a savory tomato-based sauce, finished with melty cheese on top. This casserole is perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead, making weeknight cooking both simple and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, a close-up of a black pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with diced onions. On top of the meat are small piles of minced garlic, orange spice powder, green dried herbs, and white salt, all centered. On the right, a white bowl filled halfway with the same cooked ground meat mixture, and on top, a large amount of fresh green spinach leaves covering the meat mostly on one side. A woman's hand is seen holding a red spoon above the spinach. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe straightforward, the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of rich flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays an important role—from the fresh baby spinach and bell peppers adding crunch and nutrition, to the Italian seasoning and cinnamon bringing a subtle twist to the savory profile.

1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil: Use this to sauté your meat and veggies, adding a healthy fat that helps develop flavor.
1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein base that keeps the dish hearty without heaviness.
1 yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives that indispensable aromatic punch.
1 ½ Tablespoons Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil, perfect for that classic stuffed pepper taste.
½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A surprising but wonderful hint that brightens the tomato sauce.
2-3 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped): Sneaks in extra nutrition with a mild, tender crunch.
2 large green bell peppers (diced): The star veggie bringing sweetness and color; any bell pepper variety works.
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: Provides moisture and depth without overpowering the fresh flavors.
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds chunky texture and bright acidity.
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious base binding all ingredients together.
1 Tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Introduces a subtle umami boost to enrich the dish.
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice: The hearty grain that soaks up all the savory juices and ties the casserole together.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended): Melts on top for creamy, gooey perfection that everyone loves.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving): Adds a fresh, herbal finish for garnish and extra color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey

Start by warming your oil in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with diced onion and minced garlic. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, and the onions are translucent and tender, about 7-10 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation for your casserole, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Season and Add Vegetables

Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture well so the spices coat the meat and veggies evenly, enhancing the classic stuffed pepper flavors with a little aromatic surprise from the cinnamon. Then add the chopped spinach and diced bell peppers, letting the veggies start to soften for a few minutes before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Rice

Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and tamari. Stir everything together until well combined. Finally, add the uncooked long grain brown rice, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. This mixture will cook slowly to tenderize the rice and marry all the flavors, so a good stir is essential here.

Step 4: Simmer the Casserole

Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover and give everything a good stir to prevent sticking and check the progress. Replace the lid and continue simmering until the rice is tender, approximately 30 more minutes for brown rice. This slow cooking melds all the flavors into one harmonious dish.

Step 5: Final Flavor Adjustments and Cheese Topping

When the rice is fully tender, remove the lid and give the casserole one last stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let the dish sit off the heat for 10-15 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly into a bubbling, creamy layer. This finishing touch takes the casserole from wonderful to absolutely unforgettable.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After the cheese has melted, serve the Stuffed Pepper Casserole warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like that pop of color and fresh flavor. The layers of tender rice, savory turkey, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese come together in every bite to create pure comfort food magic.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The left side displays a close-up of a rice mix with layers of white rice, small red and green pepper pieces, and bits of browned meat, all coated in a reddish sauce with a slightly oily texture. The right side shows the same dish cooked with a creamy orange sauce poured over the rice and meat, garnished with chopped green herbs, giving it a thick and rich look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding chopped fresh parsley on top not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh, herbal burst that contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dollop of sour cream can add even more flavor depth and dimension.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to build a more substantial spread, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty bread also complement the dish wonderfully, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or small ovenproof dishes and sprinkle cheese on top before baking or heating. You can also serve it layered in a large baking dish for a family style meal. Pairing with colorful plates or bowls enhances the vibrant bell pepper colors, making the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal. Just pop it back in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions or keep it whole in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-go meals that won’t compromise on taste or texture. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain its quality.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use a microwave for a quicker option. Covering the casserole during reheating helps keep it moist and prevents drying out. Add a little splash of broth or water if needed to refresh the rice texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes! Ground beef works well in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe and will deliver a richer flavor, but using lean ground beef is best to avoid excess grease. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to your taste.

Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?

Absolutely. White rice will cook faster—usually in about 20 minutes versus 60 for brown rice—so you’ll want to adjust the simmering time to prevent overcooking and mushiness.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

The recipe includes cheese on top, but you can easily make it dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative without affecting the original flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, to make it vegetarian, swap out the ground turkey for plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles and use vegetable broth. The taste will still be hearty and satisfying.

What can I do if the casserole is too thick or too watery?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up. If too watery, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s the perfect balance between easy weeknight cooking and soulful comfort food. It takes all the best parts of traditional stuffed peppers and brings them together in one luscious, cheesy pot. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need