This Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its zesty tomato sauce, tender peppers, and hearty filling. It’s both colorful and comforting, perfect for any meal!
Making this dish is a breeze—I layer everything in one dish and let the oven do the magic. Plus, leftovers taste even better! Who doesn’t love an easy meal that warms your heart? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: I usually use green bell peppers for a bolder flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and color.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Ground turkey or chicken works too if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian take, replace with lentils or a mix of beans.
Arrabbiata Sauce: This sauce is key for that spicy kick! If you can’t find it, any spicy marinara will work. You can also add extra chili flakes to regular marinara for that heat.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a lovely stretch, but you can swap it for provolone or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Parmesan can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
How Do I Make Sure the Peppers Cook Just Right?
Getting the peppers tender while still holding their shape is crucial. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Parboil the halved peppers for 5-7 minutes before stuffing if you prefer softer peppers.
- When baking, keep the dish covered with foil for the first half of cooking to steam them slightly.
- Remove the foil to get that nice, bubbly cheese topping—just be careful not to overcook, keeping an eye on them.
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked peppers that are delicious every time!
Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 large bell peppers (green or your choice), halved and seeded
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste for the “arrabbiata” spice kick)
- 1 (24 oz) jar arrabbiata sauce or spicy marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier filling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes for preparation and another 40 minutes for baking, making a total of around 55 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, continuing to sauté for another minute until everything is aromatic.
3. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which will take around 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste!
4. Mix in the Sauce and Rice:
Stir in half of the arrabbiata sauce and the cooked rice, if you’re using it. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together nicely.
5. Prepare the Peppers:
Take a greased baking dish and arrange the halved bell peppers cut side up inside it. These will hold all that delicious filling!
6. Fill the Peppers:
Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each halved pepper. Make sure they’re stuffed generously!
7. Add More Sauce:
Pour the remaining arrabbiata sauce around the stuffed peppers in the dish, covering the bottom but not drowning the stuffed tops. This will keep everything moist while baking.
8. Cheese Time:
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers. This is the part that gets melty and delicious!
9. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a moment. Then, garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, and satisfying Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole hot from the oven!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While green bell peppers are traditional, red, yellow, or orange peppers work beautifully too. They’ll add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your casserole.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef or Italian sausage with cooked lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking! Assemble it in the dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions.
