Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any meal. It combines fresh bell peppers, black beans, and spices, making it a nutritious choice. This casserole is not only easy to make, but it also feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep. The cheese on top adds a lovely melty goodness, making this dish a favorite for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

How to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ingredients:

• Bell Peppers: 4 large, multi-colored (e.g., 2 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup, uncooked (or see notes for brown rice/quinoa)
• Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can, undrained
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8-ounce) can
• Vegetable Broth: 1 ½ cups, low-sodium
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Cumin: 2 teaspoons, ground
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups, a blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar works well
• Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For serving
• Avocado: Sliced or diced
• Jalapeños: Sliced, for a spicy kick

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large, deep cast-iron skillet with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly.
5. To the skillet, add the uncooked rice, rinsed black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything for about one minute.
6. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Serve the casserole hot, topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. It makes a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

How to Store Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Tips to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Make sure to rinse the black beans well to remove excess sodium.
• If you prefer a heartier meal, you can use brown rice; just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding other vegetables like corn or zucchini to the mix.

Variation

You can use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. You may also swap the black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans, depending on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Frozen bell peppers can be used, but they may become softer or mushy when cooked. Fresh peppers generally provide a better texture.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

This comforting vegetarian casserole features tender bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of rice, beans, corn, and savory spices, all baked together in a rich tomato sauce with a cheesy topping. It's a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 2 cups White rice cooked
• 1 (15-oz) can Black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 cup Canned corn drained
• 1 (14.5-oz) can Diced tomatoes undrained
• 1/2 Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

For the Casserole

• 4 Bell peppers large, halved and seeded
• 1 (15-oz) can Tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup Vegetable broth
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Baking dish (9x13 inch)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet until softened, then stir in cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange bell pepper halves cut-side up in the prepared dish and evenly divide the rice and bean filling among them.
3. In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce and vegetable broth, then pour the mixture over the stuffed peppers.
4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the topping.