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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

This hearty stuffed pepper casserole combines flavorful chicken sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty tomato salsa with tender rice, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat

  • 3/4 pound chicken sausage, mild or spicy (375 g)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cups chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Spices

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Liquids & Grains

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup tomato salsa
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the chicken sausage until it is cooked through and lightly browned, ensuring it develops a rich flavor base for the casserole.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften but still retain a slight crispness to add texture.
  3. Add aromatics & spices: Stir in minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
  4. Deglaze & add liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate full flavor. Then stir in the tomato salsa to add tang and moisture.
  5. Add rice and simmer: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook covered: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed, ensuring the dish is fully cooked.
  7. Melt cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet contents. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly before serving, adding a creamy and gooey finish to the casserole.

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy chicken sausage according to your heat preference.
  • Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter or vegetarian (if using vegetarian sausage).
  • Covering the skillet during cooking is key to evenly cook the rice and melt the cheese properly.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated; add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/stuffed-pepper-casserole-recipe/