The Ultimate One-Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Zesty & Comforting Weeknight Meal
Searching for a delicious, hearty meal that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor? Look no further than this incredible One-Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole. This dish takes all the beloved flavors and comforting essence of traditional stuffed peppers and transforms them into an easy, family-friendly casserole, cooked entirely in a single pot. It’s the perfect blend of savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, fluffy rice, tangy diced tomatoes, and a robust blend of Mexican spices, creating a wholesome and incredibly satisfying meal.
This post is sponsored by the Certified Angus Beef ® brand in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. As always, all opinions are my own.
One Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Where Flavor Meets Convenience
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to soothe the soul. In places like Cleveland, where cold winds blow, comfort food becomes a necessity, and casseroles are often at the top of the list. This One-Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole is designed to do just that – provide warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor without the usual mountain of dishes. It’s a complete meal in one pot, marrying the rich taste of ground beef with a vibrant array of bell peppers, hearty long-grain rice, diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and a carefully selected blend of warm, aromatic Mexican spices.
This innovative recipe reimagines classic stuffed peppers, making them accessible and easy for any weeknight. Instead of individually stuffing and baking peppers, all the ingredients are combined and simmered together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a comforting, healthy casserole that truly sticks to your bones, making it ideal for fueling busy families or providing a satisfying end to a long day. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort.
The “one pot” aspect is a game-changer for busy households. You’ll start by sautéing the aromatic vegetables, high-quality ground beef, and fragrant spices directly in your pot or skillet. This foundational step builds a rich flavor base. Once these are perfectly browned and fragrant, the remaining ingredients – excluding the cheese – are added, and the mixture is left to simmer gently on the stove. In just 15-17 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with an enticing aroma, and a wholesome, comforting meal will be ready to grace your table. It’s a testament to how incredible meals don’t always require intricate steps or extensive cleanup.
The Heart of the Casserole: Certified Angus Beef and Mexican Spices
The true foundation of this Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole’s robust flavor comes from the combination of high-quality ground beef and a harmonious blend of Mexican spices. The ground beef not only provides a hearty, satisfying texture and essential protein but also infuses the entire dish with a rich, savory depth. For this recipe, using Certified Angus Beef® brand ground beef is a choice that elevates the casserole from good to extraordinary.
You’ve likely encountered the Certified Angus Beef ® brand in premium grocery stores or on restaurant menus, and for good reason. Their commitment to superior quality means you’re getting consistently flavorful and tender beef every time. My partnership with them stems from a genuine belief in their product. Having had the incredible opportunity to visit Kansas and learn firsthand about their brand, meeting their dedicated team and ranchers, and gaining insights into beef selection and preparation, I can attest to the passion and expertise behind every cut. This experience solidified my appreciation for the meticulous standards that go into producing such high-quality beef, making it an ideal choice for a dish where the beef is a star ingredient. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with the vibrant notes of bell peppers and the warmth of the Mexican spices, creating that magical combination found in the best stuffed pepper recipes.
Beyond the beef, the spices are crucial. Chili powder brings an earthy warmth, cumin adds a distinctive savory note, oregano contributes a fragrant depth, and a touch of cayenne pepper (optional, but highly recommended) introduces a gentle heat that awakens the palate. Together, these spices create an authentic Mexican profile, making each spoonful a journey of flavor. This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience, largely thanks to these carefully selected ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Your Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Crafting this delightful one-pot wonder requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and robust Mexican-inspired profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- GROUND BEEF: The star protein. Opt for a high-quality ground beef, like Certified Angus Beef ® brand, for superior flavor and texture.
- ONION: A foundational aromatic that provides sweetness and depth. Sweet onion is preferred for its mild flavor.
- SPICES: A blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper creates the quintessential Mexican flavor profile. These spices are bloomed in oil for maximum impact.
- BELL PEPPERS: A rainbow of bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) adds color, sweetness, and a pleasant crunch. They are the “peppers” in our “stuffed pepper” casserole.
- DICED TOMATOES: Provide acidity, moisture, and a subtle sweetness. Drained to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- DICED GREEN CHILES: These add a mild, tangy heat and a distinct Southwestern flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- RICE: Long-grain white rice is ideal for absorbing the flavorful broth and contributing to the casserole’s hearty, comforting texture.
- BEEF BROTH: The liquid base that cooks the rice and infuses the entire dish with savory richness.
- CHEESE: A generous amount of shredded cheese, typically a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack, for gooey texture and a creamy finish.
- OLIVE OIL: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef.
- GARLIC: Another essential aromatic that adds pungent, savory notes.
- SALT & PEPPER: To season the dish to perfection.
- FRESH CILANTRO, TOMATO, RED ONION: Optional garnishes for added freshness, color, and a burst of flavor.
Tips for Preparing and Serving Your Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This One Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for meal planning. When preparing this delightful dish, keep a few things in mind to ensure the best results and maximize its utility:
- Generous Portions: The recipe yields a substantial amount, typically enough to feed 6 adults comfortably, or 4 adults with some hungry children. This makes it perfect for family dinners or entertaining a small group.
- Wonderful Leftovers: One of the greatest advantages of this casserole is how well it stores and reheats. I consistently find myself with leftovers, which are an absolute lifesaver during busy weekdays. A portion makes for a quick and satisfying lunch or an effortless dinner when you’re short on time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Choosing Your Pot: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven works best for this one-pot recipe. This ensures even heating and prevents sticking while the rice simmers.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Don’t rush the initial sautéing of the onion, garlic, and spices. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base. Allowing the spices to “bloom” in the hot oil intensifies their aromas and flavors.
- Browning the Beef: Ensure your ground beef is thoroughly browned and all pink is gone before proceeding. Draining any excess fat is important for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
- Achieving Perfect Rice: The key to perfectly cooked rice in a casserole is to simmer it covered on low heat. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases steam and can prolong the cooking time or result in undercooked rice. The rice should be tender but not mushy.
- Melting the Cheese: After the rice is cooked, simply stirring in the cheese and covering the pot for a couple of minutes allows it to melt into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible topping without overcooking the rest of the casserole.
How Can I Modify This Casserole? Customizing Your One-Pot Masterpiece
This One Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Boost with Beans: For added fiber, protein, and an even heartier meal, incorporate canned beans. Black beans or kidney beans work beautifully with the Mexican flavors. Simply drain and rinse them, then stir them in along with the diced tomatoes and green chiles. They’ll warm through as the rice cooks.
- Add More Vegetables: This casserole is already packed with colorful bell peppers, but you can easily sneak in more veggies. Canned corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture (add it with the diced tomatoes), while diced poblano peppers (add these when you sauté the bell peppers) offer a mild, earthy heat and another layer of authentic Mexican flavor. You could also try adding zucchini or summer squash.
- Mix Up Your Cheeses: While a combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack offers a fantastic balance of creaminess and a little kick, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious. For a bolder flavor, try a sprinkle of cotija cheese as a garnish.
- Explore Different Grains: If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional rice, consider other grains. Quinoa is a great option, offering more protein and a slightly different texture. Just be mindful that cooking times for different grains vary significantly, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid and simmering time accordingly. For a low-carb option, you could even try cauliflower rice, though this would change the texture and require less liquid and a shorter cook time.
- Spice it Up: If your family enjoys a bit more heat, there are several ways to intensify the spice level. Finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers can be added with the bell peppers for a fresh, spicy kick. You could also increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. For an extra smoky heat, a touch of chipotle powder would be fantastic.
- Switch the Tomatoes: For a deeper, smoky flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes. This subtle change can add a wonderful dimension to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions and Making the Most of Leftovers
Once your One Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole is ready, the serving possibilities are endless! Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of diced red onion, and some fresh tomato for a burst of color and vibrant flavor. For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish. A side of tortilla chips can add a nice crunch, making it a complete and delightful meal that your entire family will love.
As mentioned, this casserole is a dream for meal prep. Its flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Portion out individual servings for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, or reheat a larger portion for another effortless dinner. It’s a testament to the fact that comfort food can also be convenient.
Other Stuffed Pepper Recipes You Might Like:
If you’re a fan of the flavors in this casserole, you might enjoy these other stuffed pepper-inspired dishes:
MEDITERRANEAN GROUND BEEF STUFFED PEPPERS
INSTANT POT STUFFED PEPPER SOUP RECIPE
SLOW COOKER STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
TABBOULEH STUFFED PEPPERS
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One Pot Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped {about 1 cup}
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, {optional for spice}
- 1 teaspoon oregano , {try Mexican oregano for more spice}
- 1 pound Ground Beef, Certified Angus Beef ® brand
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 bell peppers, seeds removed, diced {I like to use a variety of colors}
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup long grain rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheese , {I used half cheddar half pepper jack}
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh tomato
- Red onion, diced
Instructions
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In a large skillet or pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
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Add the onion, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and a dash of salt and pepper and sauté for 1 minute.
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Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the ground beef and cook until the ground beef is cooked through and not pink, about 4-5 minutes.
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Drain the excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the diced bell peppers and sauté for another 4-5 minutes, until the peppers become tender.
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Add the diced tomatoes, green chiles, beef broth and rice. Add another dash of salt and pepper and stir everything together.
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Bring to a boil, cover the skillet and reduce the heat, simmer until rice is cooked through, about 16-20 minutes {you just want to make sure the rice is cooked through and not hard}.
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Remove the lid and stir in the cheese, return the cover and let sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh cilantro, tomatoes and red onion.
Notes
- Try fire roasted tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
- Other good additions: black beans, corn, poblanos {add these when you do the bell peppers}.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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